THE JOY OF CONTENTMENT

 Reflection for Saturday of the 31^st Week in Ordinary Time, Year A

(Phil 4: 10-19; Lk 16:9-15)

We thank God for the weeklong journey with St Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Today, St Paul talks about a deep spiritual joy, which is learned over time. It is called CONTENTMENT. “For I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” Contentment as a spiritual joy, is practiced severally before one acquires it as a disposition towards material things. Like St Paul, a contented person maintains a stable disposition of gratitude, both in plenty and in want. This is so because his desires are redeemed and find their solace only in Christ Jesus. Desire for Christ sanctifies our will.

The joy of contentment is seen in the joy of generosity. It is only a contented person that gives out what is his with joy and without any hidden attachment. Since he draws strength from Christ Jesus, the contented man acquires inner stability and joy both in want and in plenty. Charity and submission to the will of God are means of growing in the spiritual joy of contentment. “Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit which increases to your credit.”

Just as the act of charity grows from little things to greater ones, so also is the habit of contentment. Human desire is insatiable. Very often, our loyalty lies where our desires are inclined. Through contentment, we surrender our whole desires to God so that our loyalty remains with Him. “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other...You cannot serve God and money.” To be contented is not to live marginally, but to live fully in the strength of Christ over and above all circumstances. Such a one is unstoppable and lacks nothing, since he is CONTENTED already both in plenty and in want. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Saturday November 7^th, 2020.
www.nwachinw.blogspot.com