Learning How to Live in Humble Circumstances!

 In today's first reading, Philippians 4:10-19, St. Paul shares his secret with them of how to survive in any circumstance of life:  "...I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also  how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through  him who empowers me. Still, it is kind of you to share in my distress."  He also thanks them for being generous with him in the ways that they have shared in his distress, promising them that his  "God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

We certainly are living in stressful times right now as the coronavirus rages in our country and around the world. Many of us have lost loved ones or have, ourselves, contracted the disease. Persons living in assisted living facilities or nursing homes, in most cases, are separated from their loved ones. Family members and friends, in most cases, are not allowed to visit. In the facility itself, residents often find themselves quarantined to their rooms! 

The question we face is:  In what ways are you, am I, relying on God to "fully supply whatever [you or I] need, in accord with [God's] glorious riches in Christ Jesus" to take responsibility for our lives and the lives of others, to the extent that we are able.  St. Paul became self-sufficient in times of scarcity and need. What are you/am I, doing to care for ourselves and others, trusting that God will give us the strength we need to step up to the plate, so to speak!  In times of restriction on our moving about and doing what we normally would do, it is easy to fall into the pit of self-pity and complaining, blaming others for difficulties we might be experiencing instead of engaging in behaviors and attitudes that promote fullness of life for ourselves each day and enhances the lives of those with whom we live!  During this time, may we learn "the secret of being well fed and of going hungry"--hungry for a previous normal, perhaps--"of  living in abundance and of being in need."

Living in abundance, while quarantined, could be achieved by making choices that bring life to others and to oneself:  living a reflective life, that is, taking more time for prayer--personal, communal, liturgical--engaging in spiritual reading and journaling, enjoying creative activities that utilize skills we have developed through a lifetime. Abundant life could also be attained by calling family and friends and community members; responding to correspondence, and, at times,  participating in activities that another suggests for us to relieve stress and build relationships!