Philippians 3:3-8a
Today, we hear St. Paul, the great evangelist, contrast human heritage and his religious résumé with the supreme value of knowing Jesus Christ. He says, “We are the circumcision.” In other words, God’s covenant people is no longer rooted in circumcision (cutting of the flesh) and following the Mosaic Law, but rather in a life conformed around Jesus Christ.
Paul often uses the word “flesh” in his letters. In the Greek, the word is sarx. Sarx is shorthand for human nature left to its own devices – weak, self-reliant, egocentric, and operating apart from God. It is a life of self-will, seeking status, rather than trusting God. We could say that “works of the flesh” means a self-absorbed life contrasting directly with a life imbued with the Holy Spirit.
Paul basically says, “If you want play the ‘flesh game’ or egocentric game of boasting, okay, let’s play.” We then hear Paul list the qualifications in his résumé, which are impressive.
In terms of birth and heritage, he was circumcised on the eighth day. In other words, he is compliant with the covenant law of Moses from birth. Paul is a native born from God’s covenant people – the tribe of Benjamin. Territorially, while Benjamin was small, it was known for its fierce military valor and tenacity. Some of Israel’s greatest marksmen – archers and slingers – came from Benjamin. It also produced Israel’s first king (King Saul, who was Paul’s namesake). Paul is a spiritual warrior from this prestigious and loyal tribe.
Paul says he is a Hebrew of Hebrew parentage. He was born of Hebrew-speaking parents. He maintained linguistic and cultural purity. Additionally, he was a Pharisee. Paul was a member of the strictest and most meticulous sect regarding the observance of the Torah. He was passionately committed to his ancestral faith that persecuted the Church. Finally, Paul was blameless based on the Mosaic Law. He held the highest standards in the Jewish religious system.
After listing his impressive résumé, Paul reevaluated everything after encountering Jesus Christ. It is all a “loss” or “rubbish.” The Greek word (skubala) describes waste or refuse. Paul had totally miscalculated by building up his résumé and finding his self-worth in it. Compared to Christ, his credentials dropped to zero. Our verses today reveal Paul’s overwhelming affection and personal love for Christ. Everything pales in comparison to a relationship with Him. May God give you the same heart.
~St. Thérèse, pray for us!