Rev. Jim Ryan, Ph.D.
Homily for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 4, 2026
Why does the relationship between Paul and the Philippians stand out? What makes it so? Today’s passage (Phil. 4:6-9) provides a glimpse into Paul’s deep sentiments for this beloved community. He wants to allay any anxiety on their part, offering to them the consolation of God’s peace “which is beyond all understanding.” He invites them to choose ways to act that will endear themselves to each other; the way “that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous or worthy of praise.” This focus on the choice of living daily the Way of Life to which Paul had introduced them does not speak of great theological themes as one finds in the letters to the Romans, the Ephesians, and the Galatians. Rather, here Paul writes from the heart just as this community at Philippi opened its hearts to him.
In the brief four chapter letter to the Philippians the Way of Jesus reveals itself in the manner of mutual love, justice, and peace – carrying the cross daily in the hope of resurrection. But, we may ask, why is this so? What are the details that give life to the story? To answer that question we must read further the details of this backstory.
Immediately, why this letter (some say what we have may be a compilation of several letters) gets delivered is because Epaphroditus, whom Paul calls his “brother, co-worker, and comrade-in-arms,” returns with it in hand from his extended visit to Rome where he went to be with Paul. Epaphroditus went to Rome, certainly to support Paul while he was under house arrest (60-62 CE), but also to bring him money. The community had a history of financing Paul’s work (Phil.4:14-16). What Epaphroditus brought with him was the latest generous gift.
But what endeared the community to Paul in the first place? For that you must read Acts 16:16-40). This is the story of first encounter that involved not only the preaching of the Word by Paul and Silas. Also included, Paul and Silas showed the Philippians what it means to stand up for one’s rights. It’s the latter part of the story that I think sealed the deal between Paul and the community at Philippi.
Take a look at the details. The apostles are jailed because they deprived certain rich people of a part of their income. When Paul said to the girl who was causing a commotion, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you come out of her,” she could no longer do her fortune-telling, thus depriving these influential people of income.
These same people caused Paul and Silas to be jailed, where they engaged in loud prayers and singing, much to the aggravation of the jailer. An earthquake happened which made it possible for all the other prisoners to escape. Paul and Silas did not leave the jail because they knew they had it over those who put them there.
As Roman citizens they had the right to not be jailed – house arrest possibly, but no jail. When the jailer was told this he became so distressed that he made as if to kill himself. Paul and Silas comforted him and said that the top authorities should be notified that two Roman citizens were in their jail. When informed of this, the authorities offered the two their release from jail so long as they would leave in the dead of night.
This was not acceptable to them. The result was, despite the embarrassment and the recognition that the rights of these two preaching Roman citizens were violated, the authorities came to the jail and escorted the would-be prisoners to freedom. Apparently, the authorities thought they were still in charge and told the two that they must immediately leave town. Instead, in the bright light of day, they proceeded from jail to the home of Lydia where they rejoiced in the Word and had a party!
I’m certain that the proclamation of the Word was the foundation in faith of the community at Philippi. I am just as certain that Paul and Silas endeared themselves deeply to the community by asserting their rights with its attending result. Their courage combined with knowing that all of Lydia’s household and the whole community was in support of them, made it possible for them to stand before the “big shots” and believe in the name of Jesus Christ. Now, there’s something that will grow a community!
How timely is this story these days. An adversarial dialectic exists in our country between a deeply embedded plan to deprive people of their rights – thus keeping them detained in cruel and debilitating conditions – and on the other hand communities of faith that courageously stand up for due process and the rule of law.
On a daily basis thousands of individuals and families are being denied their habeas corpus right. A bedrock of a democratic nation holds that no government has the right to swoop a person off the street, detain them, and then hold them for no stated cause. And when the excuse for holding such persons is the logjam of a judicial system that has been deliberately made less than operational, what’s the old saw- “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Who knew that a 2000 year old story of rights denied can serve as a standard for how to maintain a legitimate, law-abiding nation. May the courage of Paul and Silas be as endearing to us as it was to the Philippians.
A Prayer (JR)
All praise to you, loving Creator, for the blessing of peace.
Praise also to you, Holy Wisdom, for the gifts to sustain this peace.
All praise to you, Spirit of Life, who confirms within us the way of life,
death, and resurrection. Peace without struggle is an empty wish.
May we celebrate these divine mysteries by listening to your divine silence
that calms us and fills our lives today and forever.
Amen
