Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A
Reflecting on Philippians 4: 6-9
This week’s second reading still strikes at the heart. St. Paul begins this passage (Philippians 4:6-9) with that astounding consolation: Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving.
Seriously? Because I could name at least a dozen things right now which merit huge anxiety. But these words are coming from St. Paul, who lived in danger of persecution and martyrdom every day. And he follows those beautiful words with advice on how to live a richer life.
Whatever is true: Forget trying to figure out what’s AI and what isn’t. We can search our hearts and find ways in which we are not being true to who we can be.
Whatever is honorable. We recognize honor when we see it, don’t we? I’m thinking of exhausted parents who, God bless them, rouse themselves at the sound of their child’s cry.
Whatever is just. It’s so easy to skirt this one, especially at tax time. The just people pay their way, and help those who can’t.
Whatever is pure. It’s easy to see the friendship, work, or love that is free from the shortcuts that end up destroying everything.
Whatever is lovely. We know when we are in the presence of beauty. This time of year pretty much gets the prize for lovely.
Whatever is gracious. I think this is my favorite. I LOVE being around gracious people. These are the ones who makes us feel utterly welcomed, utterly loved, utterly at home.
It’s our encounter with people who live these adjectives that makes life so rich. Do you long for a richer life? Think on these things.
Which of the above adjectives best describes you?
Kathy McGovern ©2026