I love the reading in Philippians for today. Fortunately, I do find encouragement in Christ and solace in love, especially currently. My ninety-seven and ¾ years old father died on October 15th and the outpouring of compassion on the part of friends and neighbors as well as extended family was amazing. We had a large church funeral for him and those who attended told my siblings and me that it felt good to celebrate a well-lived long life among the company of so many friends and loved ones. The celebration of Dad’s life was not just a sending for him, but a large participation in the Spirit. Those present did truly feel joy being of the same mind, the same love, united in heart, and in the encouragement of Christ.  

But equally important has been the time we five siblings have been spending since his passing in settling the estate. It is such a consolation to each of us to be working together to look out for the interests of all. No one is behaving selfishly. All are being considerate of each other. Providing an opportunity to imitate Christ’s humility is what the death of a loved one can do for us. Too often, however, that is not the case, even among the faithful. I pray today, that we can all being in the same love and united in heart during such times of loss and sorrow. Indeed, that is the way of Christ.