This reading from the letter to the Philippians, our second reading for the Third Sunday of Advent, is another word of encouragement for us. So often, we are robbed of joy by anxiety that gnaws away at us. We worry about the past, and we worry about the future. More than ever right now, in the uncertainty of a Covid-world, we can be sucked into worry about what the future may bring.
We may find ourselves riveted to the television or social media, searching for more information about the pandemic, our anxiety levels climbing. We may spend time imagining worst-case scenarios and have constant conversations about our worries with those around us. Given our context, we certainly have legitimate concerns and things that naturally worry us. But when worry becomes the centre of our existence, we cannot find peace or
joy.
Here we are offered an antidote to worry. Paul encourages us to turn to God rather than worrying and tell him our concerns, asking for what we need. Our prayers may not be answered as we might wish. But whatever we may need to cope will be given to us if we ask. Paul says that we should fill our minds with everything noble, good and pure. Paul understood that what we give space and attention to comes to dominate our awareness.
More than ever, we need to be intentional and careful about what we watch and read and who we spend time with. Do these feed our worry or allow us to take in good things that will sustain us and give us comfort and courage? At the end of each day, it can be helpful to reflect on where we have put our focus and attention and how we have been left feeling. Let us make space for the good: for beauty, for time in nature, for time to pray and to be
creative, and to be present to loved ones. Our brains too easily become wired for the negative, especially when we are fed a relentless diet of it in our current circumstances.
Today, let us remember that whatever we may be dealing with, the Lord is very near.
