As we approach the final weeks of the liturgical year, the readings in the spirit of Feria III after the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost remind us of our heavenly citizenship and our call to a life transformed by the Cross. Saint Paul, in Philippians 3:17-21, calls on the faithful to be imitators of his example and to recognize that, unlike those “whose god is their belly,” our true home is in heaven. He reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body.” Here, we see both an exhortation to live righteously and a powerful promise of transformation and resurrection.
In Matthew 9:18-26, we encounter Jesus responding to two desperate appeals: the synagogue ruler’s plea for his daughter, and the woman with the issue of blood. Both stories display the transformative power of faith in Christ. Jesus is met by both outward and inward cries for help—one public, as the ruler implores Him, and one silent, as the woman reaches out in anonymity. Yet, in each case, it is faith that brings life and restoration. These miracles reveal the divine power of Christ, who alone has authority over both sickness and death.
The Call to Be Imitators of Christ
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks to the faithful as “imitators of him” as he imitates Christ. St. John Chrysostom teaches that “to imitate Christ means to shape one’s entire life according to the pattern of His virtue,” and that imitation is more than outward actions but a transformation of the mind and heart. The Fathers urge us to be vigilant about where we place our desires, as St. Augustine writes, “Wherever our treasure is, there our heart will be also.” If we live only for earthly things, then we are bound to the limited and perishable; if our hearts are set on Christ, however, we are united to the eternal.
The Power of Faith to Transform
In the Gospel, both the synagogue ruler and the woman with the issue of blood come to Christ with immense faith—one approaching boldly, the other quietly. St. Ambrose, reflecting on this passage, notes that “faith alone is the key to divine mercy,” emphasizing that Christ’s response to both supplicants underscores His readiness to heal those who seek Him. The woman’s faith is particularly noteworthy, for she believes that even touching the hem of His garment will heal her. Ambrose teaches that “her faith is what made her whole,” illustrating that an encounter with Christ is, at its core, transformative. This scene beautifully complements St. Paul’s words about the transformation awaiting the faithful, affirming that faith in Christ does not just sustain us but leads us into the fullness of life.
Unity and Reconciliation in the Body of Christ
In Philippians 4:1-3, Paul appeals for unity, asking his readers to stand “firm in the Lord” and encouraging Euodia and Syntyche to “agree in the Lord.” St. John Chrysostom comments on this appeal for unity, explaining that dissension among believers endangers not just individuals but the entire community. The Church is a body, and the health of each member impacts the whole. As Ambrose writes, “when we love and forgive, we do the work of Christ, who reconciled us through His Cross.” Paul’s emphasis on unity in love, even calling on his “true yokefellow” to assist in reconciliation, serves as a practical application of the transformative life he has been teaching throughout his letter. In the body of Christ, we are bound to one another and called to work together for mutual support.
Living as Citizens of Heaven
As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded that our citizenship is not merely an abstract concept; it is the true anchor of our lives. St. Cyprian of Carthage exhorts Christians to be “otherworldly” in their perspective, to live as pilgrims journeying toward the Kingdom. This perspective allows us to face trials, illness, and even death with hope, for we belong to a reality greater than this world. Christ, who transforms all things, calls us to trust in His power and to live in the knowledge of His promises.
In the spirit of this season, let us take to heart Paul’s encouragement to be steadfast, to seek unity, and to pursue holiness. Like the faithful in Matthew’s Gospel, may we approach Christ with deep faith, confident that He will answer our prayers. And as we imitate Him, may we find ourselves transformed, both individually and as a community, into a people prepared for the Kingdom of Heaven.