Rejoice Always: A Path to Intimacy with God
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
Phil 4:4-13
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you revived your concern for me. You were, of course, concerned about me but lacked an opportunity. Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Grace Prayed For
A deeper trust in God’s unwavering care and provision in all circumstances.
Reflection
In this passage, Paul invites us into a radical trust in God’s provision and love. “Rejoice always,” he urges, even amidst trials. This isn’t a shallow command, but a call to anchor ourselves in the unwavering love of our Father in Heaven. When anxiety creeps in, Paul directs us to prayer, not as a last resort, but as a constant dialogue with a God who listens and cares. He reminds us that true peace, the kind that surpasses understanding, is found not in our own strength, but in Christ Jesus.
This message is a powerful invitation to intimacy with our Trinitarian God. It reveals a Father who provides, a Son who strengthens, and a Spirit who fills us with peace. As we internalize this truth, our encounters with the world transform. We become living witnesses to God’s love, radiating kindness and gentleness, not because we are capable, but because we are empowered by Him. We are called to join this mission, to share this message of hope and trust with everyone we meet, knowing that we are never alone, never unloved, and never without the strength we need.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
This passage emphasizes that it is through Christ that we receive strength and peace. By focusing on Christ’s empowering presence, we grow in intimacy with Him, recognizing our dependence on Him and His ability to meet all our needs.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post