On this Feria IV following the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, we are invited to reflect deeply on St. Paul’s words to the Philippians (Phil 3:17-21; 4:1-3) alongside the Gospel account of Christ’s miracles from St. Matthew (Matt 9:18-26). Together, these passages reveal both the hope of our heavenly citizenship and the transformative power of Christ over death and suffering. Through these Scriptures, we are reminded to live as citizens of heaven even as we walk amidst a world often set on earthly pursuits. The wisdom of the Church Fathers illuminates these truths, guiding us toward an enduring hope in Christ.
“Our Citizenship is in Heaven” (Philippians 3:20)
St. Paul writes to the Philippians with the affectionate and pastoral heart of a true spiritual father, imploring them to imitate his life, which he has patterned after Christ. “Brethren, be followers of me, and observe those who walk according to the model you have in us” (Phil 3:17). Here, he contrasts the way of the cross with the path of those who, as he says, are “enemies of the cross of Christ,” whose “end is destruction” and who “mind earthly things” (Phil 3:18-19).
St. John Chrysostom speaks to this warning, emphasizing that attachment to earthly pleasures and pride in worldly accomplishments draw souls away from God. He notes that Paul’s emphasis on “the cross of Christ” is meant to remind Christians that the spiritual life requires self-denial, patience, and suffering. For, as Chrysostom says, “The cross is that wherewith we are crucified to the world, and the world to us” (cf. Homilies on Philippians). This crucifixion to worldly concerns allows believers to turn their hearts wholly toward their true homeland — the kingdom of heaven.
The Hope of Transformation
St. Paul’s words, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil 3:20), affirm our true identity and remind us that we await the Savior who will “transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Phil 3:21). This transformation isn’t simply physical but touches the whole person, raising our nature to the fullness of life in God.
St. Augustine, reflecting on this transformation, explains that the renewal of the body begins in the soul. He writes, “The body’s immortality is only fully attained when the soul, now free from sin, participates fully in divine life” (cf. City of God). The yearning for our “lowly body” to be transformed thus invites us to the daily work of interior conversion, aligning our hearts and minds with the life of heaven even here on earth.
The Power of Christ Over Death and Suffering (Matthew 9:18-26)
In the Gospel passage, we witness two great miracles of Christ: the raising of a ruler’s daughter and the healing of the woman suffering from a hemorrhage. Both of these miracles reveal Christ’s authority over death and physical suffering, offering hope to all who believe.
The healing of the woman who touches Christ’s garment is particularly poignant. St. Jerome explains that the woman’s act of touching the hem of Christ’s garment reveals her deep faith: “For this woman, as though she were aware of the power of God residing in Him, approached in faith to touch only the hem of His garment and was healed” (cf. Commentary on Matthew). Her example teaches us the importance of seeking Christ in faith, trusting that even the smallest contact with Him — a prayer, a thought, a small act of charity — can bring about healing and transformation in our lives.
St. Ambrose, reflecting on the raising of the ruler’s daughter, sees in this event a symbol of the resurrection to which all Christians are called. He writes, “She was dead, but not beyond the reach of Him who is the Resurrection and the Life” (cf. Exposition of the Gospel of Luke). Christ’s words, “The girl is not dead, but sleeping” (Matt 9:24), reveal the hope that, in Him, death is not an end but a passage. This miraculous raising is a prefigurement of the Resurrection, a call to all believers to trust in Christ, who conquers even the greatest of human fears — death itself.
“Stand Firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1)
St. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians to “stand firm in the Lord” (Phil 4:1) resonates as a timeless call to perseverance. As we encounter trials in our spiritual journey, both personal and communal, we are reminded to remain steadfast, anchoring ourselves in Christ and holding to the hope of eternal life.
St. Gregory the Great reflects on the nature of spiritual firmness, saying, “The fortress of the soul is established on humility and fortified by the patience of the saints” (cf. Moral Reflections on Job). We are not called to stand firm by our own strength but to rely on the grace of God, which strengthens us in humility and patience. This counsel from St. Gregory echoes St. Paul’s invitation to live not as citizens of this world, but as citizens of heaven, strengthened by a humble and prayerful heart.
Conclusion
In today’s readings, we are reminded that as Christians, our path is one of hope rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. St. Paul’s call to live as citizens of heaven compels us to a life of spiritual discipline, humility, and faith. The miracles of Christ in the Gospel show us that He is the one who can heal our wounds and raise us to new life.
In this spirit of fervent hope and firm faith, may we heed St. Paul’s exhortation to “stand firm in the Lord” and, like the faithful woman and grieving father, approach Christ with unwavering confidence in His power to bring life from death and healing from suffering. Through His grace, may we ever draw nearer to the kingdom of heaven, our true home.