Philippians 2: 12-18
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Shine Like Stars in the World
In this memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, Paul invites us to “shine like stars in the world.” But Christian light is not about drawing attention to ourselves. It appears in the quiet ways we choose faithfulness, generosity, and hope when circumstances make those choices difficult.
In my life, I often discover that mission is lived less in extraordinary moments than in ordinary encounters: listening patiently, accompanying someone who is struggling, completing work with care, or choosing hope when discouragement would be easier. Saint Charles Borromeo’s life invites us to seek God precisely there: in the people, responsibilities, and interruptions of an ordinary day.
Our world does not need people who simply appear successful. It needs people whose lives reveal that another way of living is possible: with compassion, integrity, and concern for the common good.
God invites us to bring light into the ordinary places of our day. Even a small act of kindness can make God’s presence more visible to someone who needs it.
—Fr. Robenson Siquitte, SJ, is a member of the Jesuits of the Canada and Haiti Province and currently serves as Development Officer with American Jesuits International (AJI) in Washington, D.C.
Prayer
Lord, help me to recognize the places where your light is needed today. Give me patience when I am tired, generosity when I am busy, and courage when hope seems difficult. May my words, decisions, and presence reflect your love and help others recognize their own dignity.
Let me seek not to shine for myself as Saint Charles Borromeo, but to make your goodness more visible in the world.
Amen.
—Fr. Robenson Siquitte, SJ
Pray with the Pope
