So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians (2.1-2)
I recently read Philippians with my intro class, and promptly issued a quiz the following day. One of the questions went something like: “Paul exhorts the Philippians to be of the same _______.”
Many of the students answered religion, community, etc.. Many got it (MIND). But one answered “Be of the same body.”
I remain fascinated by this answer. Part of me simply believes that this is a well-catechized catholic who, while not knowing Philippians, of course, was actually thinking eucharistically. I know, I’m an idealist.
He could have been thinking politically. Be of the same body-politic. And I’m sympathetic to this reading, too. Again, idealistic, I know.
Without discussing with the student, I really have no idea what he was thinking. But for my own work, my own sacramental-politics, I love the idea of Paul exhorting the Philippians to be of the same body.
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
(4.4-5)
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