A Reflection on Philippians 4:4-9 and Matthew 18:1-5
As we continue through the season after Epiphany, the Church’s liturgy draws us deeper into the mystery of divine joy and humility. The readings for Feria VI infra Hebdomadam III post Epiphaniam present a powerful meditation on the disposition of the Christian soul before God:
- Philippians 4:4-9 exhorts us to rejoice always in the Lord, to cultivate peace through prayer and thanksgiving, and to dwell on all that is true, just, and pure.
- Matthew 18:1-5 calls us to embrace childlike humility, for “unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
These passages, read in light of the teachings of the Church Fathers, invite us to consider how true joy and peace are found in a humble heart, one that is both trusting and detached from worldly anxieties.
The Joy That Surpasses Understanding
St. Paul, writing from prison, commands the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice.” (Phil 4:4). This joy is not mere human sentiment but a supernatural gift, rooted in communion with God. St. John Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, notes:
“The Christian ought to be joyful not only in prosperity but also in adversity. He who rejoices only when things go well does not have true joy, but he who finds joy even in tribulations, his joy is spiritual and comes from God.” (Homilies on Philippians, 14).
This echoes the teaching of Our Lord in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matt 5:5). True joy is not found in external circumstances but in a soul that trusts God completely. When St. Paul tells us to “be nothing solicitous” (Phil 4:6), he does not mean we should neglect our duties, but rather that we should place all our anxieties before God in prayer. St. Augustine explains:
“If you place your cares on yourself, you will sink under their weight; but if you cast them upon God, you will be upheld by Him who does not grow weary.” (Sermon 56).
Thus, peace is the fruit of a soul that entrusts itself entirely to divine providence, offering up every concern with thanksgiving.
The Humility of a Child: The Gateway to the Kingdom
In the Gospel, the disciples ask Christ, “Who, thinkest thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matt 18:1). Our Lord does not respond with a discourse on power or authority but rather places a child in their midst:
“Unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 18:3).
This call to childlike humility is central to the spiritual life. St. Jerome explains:
“A child has no desire for honors, is free from envy, and does not remember injuries. Such simplicity, if found in a man, makes him great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Commentary on Matthew, 3.18).
Humility is the foundation of all virtue. St. Augustine tells us:
“If you ask me what is the essential thing in the religion and discipline of Jesus Christ, I shall reply: first, humility; second, humility; and third, humility.” (Letter 118).
The child is an image of the soul that trusts wholly in God, not relying on its own strength but resting in the Father’s care. This is why Our Lord says: “Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 18:4).
The Link Between Humility and Interior Peace
The connection between these two readings is profound: the joy and peace that St. Paul speaks of in Philippians come only from a heart that has embraced the childlike humility Christ describes in Matthew.
- The anxious soul is troubled by worldly cares, but the humble soul casts them on God and finds peace.
- The proud heart seeks its own way, but the childlike heart trusts in divine wisdom and finds joy.
St. Gregory of Nyssa beautifully expresses this unity of humility and peace:
“A man who is humble in his thoughts and engaged in constant prayer possesses within himself a quiet harbor for his soul, an untroubled joy, and a mind lifted up to God.” (On the Beatitudes, 3).
Thus, the liturgy today calls us to cultivate a heart that is both joyful and humble. In a world filled with anxiety, let us take up the wisdom of the saints: entrust everything to God, pray with thanksgiving, and become like little children before our Father in heaven.
Practical Resolutions
- Begin the day with an act of trust – Offer your concerns to God with thanksgiving, as St. Paul instructs.
- Imitate the simplicity of a child – Avoid unnecessary worries, and seek to rest in God’s providence.
- Practice humility in daily life – Accept humiliations patiently and consider others greater than yourself (Phil 2:3).
- Dwell on what is good – Follow St. Paul’s counsel to meditate on what is true, just, pure, and lovely (Phil 4:8).
By embracing these dispositions, we will find our hearts transformed into a place of peace, where the joy of Christ reigns. Let us, then, “rejoice in the Lord always”, with the heart of a little child, knowing that “the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, will keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).
Amen.