Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. (Phil 4:6-9)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100823.cfm
Saint Paul is not advocating a Pollyanna, “Don’t worry, be happy” approach to spirituality. Rather Saint Paul reminds us that we should be centered on the true, the honorable, the just, the pure, the lovely, the gracious. This is NOT passivity in the face of the many problems of the world, just the opposite: “Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.” And he adds: ”Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Sunday, Week XXVII, Ordinary Time
