Reading Philippians 3:17
By Father Jaime Hinojos
Saint Paul is a sure imitator of Christ. He asks the Christians of Philippi to imitate him and to have as examples of good manners those who imitate him. Well, if he speaks to them like this, it follows that those he addresses are a new Christian community. I am struck by this verse (Phil 3:17). The Christian living can be observed and distinguished in those who live it, act it, and express it in their customs. Without fear of being wrong, we can say that this verse refers to the faith when it is being acted, lived, and translated into a way of living that denote a Christian meaning.
Saint Paul tells the new Christians of Philippi: “Be imitators of me and look at those who thus behave according to the example they have in us” (v.17).
According to Saint Paul, faith should not be kept within the heart or mind. Saint Paul asks the Philippians that their faith be translated into visible works, visible actions, and a Christian way of living. Hence, a living faith is a faith that is demonstrated by actions. Faith is not simply a concept or an elevated knowledge of who God is and what he has revealed about himself and his plans. Faith is a new way of living life.
Faith embraced as a new way of living becomes a guide for plans, work, and recreation. Then faith is present in calendars, schedules, and all social interactions. Lived in this way and fashion, faith provides a new mindset and shapes people’s characters.
Faith also helps the disciples of Christ discern ideas and voices that reach them through different media. With faith, Christians have the seed and the fruits of the divine life. So, the Christian disciples must be constantly vigilant because God’s enemies are ceaselessly plotting ways to take away their faith. Today in the post-modern milieu, Christians need to be heroes to live their Christian faith.
People who at this time may not have Christianity as their religious tradition may have some curiosity about the Christian faith, of which Saint Paul presents himself as a good example. They might have heard of famous historical figures such as Noah, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In Christianity, Abraham is considered the father of faith.
Faith in God is a pretty universal value. In this regard, it is open to everyone.
Because of their baptism, Christians become members of the universal Church, also known as the mystical Body of Christ. However, Christians know that practicing their faith is a daily quest that demands constant determination. They know that Christ is their model. They also know that throughout history, Christ has continued calling new examples of the Christian life. For example, Saint Paul is one of the many. Saint Paul knew that Christ called him to be an apostle (cf. Acts 9:1–19). He is sure that Jesus Christ chose him. The story of Saint Paul’s conversion is impressive.
Saint Paul sealed his testimony of the Christian way of living with his life as a martyr. Pope Benedict XVI dedicated some reflections on Saint Paul’s martyrdom. Ream them here in this link:
https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2009/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20090204.html
When Saint Paul says, “imitate me,” it may sound presumptuous. However, Saint Paul has the authority that Jesus Christ gave him to ask for such a great demand: To be imitators of the saints.
Although your faith or my faith may be as tiny as a mustard seed, you and I have received the universal calling — the vocation of God to be disciples of Christ. And if He so requested, martyrs of the faith. However, the gift of martyrdom is a supernatural gift that God designates only to those He wants to grant it. Saint Paul was one of those chosen ones.
