Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Anxiety can paralyze us. During these months of pandemic, I’m sure that there are not a few of our sisters and brothers who have experienced the paralyzing effects of anxiety and worry. Am I going to catch the dreaded virus? My job is at jeopardy, what am I going to do. My rent is due and my unemployment has run out, what am I going to do? This isolation from family and friends is driving me nuts, what am I going to do? The litany of anxiety producing things during these extraordinary times appears endless.
No wonder, then, that our second reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippines provides such healing and comfort for those of us who are heavy with anxiety. Paul is mining the wisdom of psychology in asking his listeners to ‘think about these things’ that can lift us out of the pit of desolation, anxiety and ceaseless worry.
So much of the anxiety and you and I face comes from what is called ‘tunnel vision’ in life. At the end of that tunnel we see only that which is causing anxiety and worry that can paralyzes us with fear. However, when we broaden our vision, we see the totality of life that can so easily be forgotten – the people who love us, the unexpected and unearned moments of grace and blessing, the beauty and splendor of God’s creation.
A wise spiritual director taught me the importance of the prayer of remembrance and gratitude. In the midst of whatever moments that may spiral us into anxiety and moments of spiritual darkness, remember the moments in life that have brought joy, love, peace and unearned gratitude. It might be the smile of a long-forgotten friend, the forgiveness that brought a new beginning in life, a moment of solitude that brought unbelievable inner peace or simply, the cherished memory of a sunset that brought a perfect ending to a day of blessing and grace.
No wonder, then, that Paul admonishes us in the midst of whatever worries that may burden us, to remember these beautiful words:
Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.