Isaiah 25:1-9; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

We have, as usual, quite the cocktail of scripture verses to choose from this morning; from Isaiah and the promise that Yahweh will swallow up death forever – which came to pass through the Cross and the Resurrection – which for us is that liminal space between the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet’, that our suffering and tears will be removed along with the reproach upon us.

In the passage from Matthew, we heard the parable of the Wedding Feast along with the ever-enigmatic assertion that “many are called, but few are chosen.” This latter alone should give us pause for thought and to question ourselves: “Am I living in the knowledge of the truth that I am God’s Beloved? Am I living as one Chosen by God?”

But our focus right now is on the extract from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi.

Despite the fact that Paul was writing from prison, the overwhelming spirit of the letter is one of Joy! This, even though the town, originally founded as a Greek city, was now under Roman occupation and rule. Nevertheless, Paul’s refrain is “Rejoice!”. Rejoice, for your name, as of all those in Christ, is written in the Book of Life. In contrast to quarrelling, Paul insists that their (and so our) ‘reasonableness’ in one translation, or ‘gentleness’ in the NIV, be known to everyone.

At issue in today’s reading is an apparent disagreement – perhaps even a falling out – between two women, Euodia and Syntyche – who have been working with Paul in the preaching of the Gospel and the formation of the Philippian Church. We don’t know the specifics of their controversy, but it was clearly disruptive enough among Paul’s Mission Team to require his attention and counsel. In short, Paul says, “be of the same mind -agree - in the Lord.” Indeed, elsewhere Paul notes that we, together, have the mind of Christ! Jesus himself promised that where two or three are gathered together in His name (the point of fellowship) and agree upon anything, it will be done. To be of the same mind then, rather than disputing and dissenting. James, interestingly, says in his letter that a “double-minded” person is unstable in all their ways. Be single-minded. Be of single purpose. Be focused. This way lies the peace of God, itself beyond human understanding. Which is just as well because if we could understand it, we could so easily mess it up! And this is a peace – internal, certainly, but also between each of us in relationship – which guards us – which keeps us safe and sound.

A lot of people suffer from various forms of anxiety in our noisy, fractious and fractured society. Above all, we are all so easily distracted. Whether through social media, mindless TV or musical interference, or the pernicious pressure of doom-scrolling and mobile phone “notifications” – better called “nuisances!” NO!!!

REJOICE in our LORD! Be anxious for nothing! Pray all the time, everywhere and in everything. And finally – yes finally! – “whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Stop it with the pessimism, the cynicism, the endless criticism; stop always competing, comparing and contrasting – rather, in everything through prayer and supplication let your requests – your honest hopes, desires, and expectations - be known to your father in heaven - where you too are seated with Christ in God – who will hug you close and comfort you in deep and abiding peace.

Rejoice, people! Christ is in you! The LORD is at hand, right where you are, right now. Hallelujah!

Toby Perks, Lay Minister