And so, my most beloved and most desired brothers, my joy and my crown: stand firm in this way, in the Lord, most beloved. (Phlp 4:1)
Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοὶ καὶ ἐπιπόθητοι, χαρὰ καὶ στέφανός μου, οὕτως στήκετε ἐν κυρίῳ, ἀγαπητοί.
Itaque fratres mei charissimi, et desideratissimi, gaudium meum, et corona mea: sic state in Domino, charissimi.
We often hear in the letters of St. Paul that the love of Christ embraces us. St. John writes similarly in his letters. Sometimes we hear during homilies a reminder that we are loved. The most important question in this appeal is: through whom, who loved us? To whom does this chain of love lead? St. Paul confesses his love for the Philippians. However, the first is God the Father, who loved us first.
I can walk today with a serene heart, with my head held high because in my history, vocation, and identity the joyful message constantly resounds: I am loved.
