Era Might Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 In Philippians 1:21, St. Paul says that "to live is Christ." What does he mean by this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HisChildForever Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 What translation are you using? I just pulled up the NAB online and this is what I found (I have the DRV which I can look up for you too): [b]Philippians 1: 20-24[/b] "My eager expectation and hope is that I shall not be put to shame in any way, but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. [u]For to me life is Christ, and death is gain.[/u] If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose. I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, (for) that is far better. Yet that I remain (in) the flesh is more necessary for your benefit." Regardless, I believe he is saying that his life is dedicated to Christ, that he has dedicated everything to spreading the Gospel; furthermore, "Christ will be magnified in my body" because he will be living in service to Jesus which will continue in death as the faithful worship God in Heaven. He later explains "death is gain" as his desire to be with Christ in Heaven (but he understands that he has work to do and will be patient). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Era Might Posted January 8, 2009 Author Share Posted January 8, 2009 I use the RSV-CE and the Douay Rheims. They both read "to live is Christ." I guess what I find interesting about the passage is that he says to live "is" Christ, as if he is personifying our life. Maybe he means that to live is to participate in Christ's life? But when he says "to live," is he referring to physical life, or supernatural life (i.e., being in the state of grace)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HisChildForever Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Era Might' post='1746172' date='Jan 8 2009, 02:21 PM']I guess what I find interesting about the passage is that he says to live "is" Christ, as if he is personifying our life. Maybe he means that to live is to participate in Christ's life?[/quote] I would have to say absolutely. We are not only called to participate in Christ's life through love, faith, and charity, but through the Eucharist as well. What better way to participate in Christ's life than to be present during the Last Supper? [quote]But when he says "to live," is he referring to physical life, or supernatural life (i.e., being in the state of grace)?[/quote] Both, without a doubt. We are to represent Jesus physically (for example, priests represent Jesus in this aspect during the Consecration; others through works of charity and mercy; others in teaching the faith; etc.) as well as spiritually...in the state of grace but also through the Sacraments and through prayer. [[edit.]] I think to live "is" Christ is incredibly powerful. St. Paul is saying that EVERYTHING we do, in life and in death, is for Christ Jesus. Edited January 8, 2009 by HisChildForever Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nvzbl Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 [quote name='Era Might' post='1746156' date='Jan 8 2009, 02:00 PM']In Philippians 1:21, St. Paul says that "to live is Christ." What does he mean by this?[/quote] eternal life. forever and ever and ever.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Cat Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 [quote][b]PHILIPPIANS - Chapter 1[/b] [b]Ver. 21[/b]. To live is Christ. If it be his will that I live, my life shall be spent in his service. --- To die, and suffer martyrdom, will be my gain, by coming to the enjoyment of Christ sooner. ([i]Witham[/i]) [b]Ver. 22.[/b] This is to me, &c. His meaning is, that although his dying immediately for Christ, would be his gain, by putting him presently in possession of heaven; yet he is doubtful what he should choose, because by staying longer in the flesh, he should be more beneficial to the souls of his neighbours. ([i]Challoner[/i]) --- What I shall choose I know not: though my earnest desire is to be dissolved from this mortal body, and to be with Christ, as my greater happiness, yet if it be the will of God that I labour longer, as necessary for your good, and that I again come to you, let God dispose of me according to his holy will. ([i]Witham[/i]) [url="http://haydock1859.tripod.com/id207.html"]http://haydock1859.tripod.com/id207.html[/url][/quote]Maybe this might help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nvzbl Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 ...and to live a disciplined life leads to a christian life of love and freedom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatherineM Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 The note for this section in the Ignatius Study Bible says: "Paul places himself entirely in the hands of God. This alone gives him confidence to face the uncertain outcome of his trial. Whether the legal proceedings bring him release or execution, he believes that Christ will be honored through him. Paul's dilemma is that both alternatives will turn out for the good: either he will come to know Christ in the fullest way possible as a martyr, or he will continue to make Christ known as a missionary (1:22-24) (CCC1010, 1698)." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggamafu Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 A word study on logos would be helpful here. Christ is the Way; the Truth; the Life. I think that is the theology we can take away from this lovely passage...in fact, a good deal could be said of theosis in relation to this passage, and the transformation of the entire universe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seven77 Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 I like what Ziggamafu is getting at. Life [i]is[/i] Christ. He is the meaning and purpose of life...He shows us what it is to live, to be human. He lived our life. When we were baptized we were baptized into Christ...we became Christ-ians, other Christs. We are to live his life--to [i]live him[/i]. He is Life. I read once somewhere: [b]identification[/b] with Christ is better than imitation of him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In The Arms of The Lord Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 The Lord is the way, the truth, and the life. The way to the Father and to Eternal life, the truth in everything, and to live is to be alive in Christ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kafka Posted January 20, 2009 Share Posted January 20, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Era Might' post='1746156' date='Jan 8 2009, 02:00 PM']In Philippians 1:21, St. Paul says that "to live is Christ." What does he mean by this?[/quote] [quote name='Era Might' post='1746172' date='Jan 8 2009, 02:21 PM']I use the RSV-CE and the Douay Rheims. They both read "to live is Christ." I guess what I find interesting about the passage is that he says to live "is" Christ, as if he is personifying our life. Maybe he means that to live is to participate in Christ's life? But when he says "to live," is he referring to physical life, or supernatural life (i.e., being in the state of grace)?[/quote] I think one could write a book and still fall short of the full meaning. I also think it is important to prayerfully read this verse in the context of the previous and following verses to understand it to a greater degree. This one cannot be taken merely on its own. There are so many teachings being proclaimed in this passage it is unfathomable: {1:12} Now, brothers, I want you to know that the things concerning me happened for the advancement of the Gospel, {1:13} in such a way that my chains have become manifest in Christ in every place of judgment and in all other such places. {1:14} And many from among the brothers in the Lord, becoming confident through my chains, are now much bolder in speaking the Word of God without fear. {1:15} Certainly, some do so even because of envy and contention; and others, too, do so because of a good will to preach Christ. {1:16} Some act out of charity, knowing that I have been appointed for the defense of the Gospel. {1:17} But others, out of contention, announce Christ insincerely, claiming that their difficulties lift them up to my chains. {1:18} But what does it matter? As long as, by every means, whether under pretext or in truthfulness, Christ is announced. And about this, I rejoice, and moreover, I will continue to rejoice. {1:19} For I know that this will bring me to salvation, through your prayers and under the ministration of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, {1:20} by means of my own expectation and hope. For in nothing shall I be confounded. Instead, with all confidence, now just as always, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. {1:21} For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. {1:22} And while I live in the flesh, for me, there is the fruit of works. But I do not know which I would choose. {1:23} For I am constrained between the two: having a desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, which is the far better thing, {1:24} but then to remain in the flesh is necessary for your sake. {1:25} And having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and that I shall continue to remain with all of you, for your advancement and for your joy in the faith, {1:26} so that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus for me, through my return to you again. I think it is not right for you to say that Christ personify's our life. Rather we in a unique and personal way personify Christ's life (for He is greater than we all put together), both when we are alive and in the act of dying in our entire beings: soul-bodies-spirits. I think this is what Saint Paul is teaching. When we are alive and truly living the Gospel (in the state of grace) in our souls-bodies-spirits Christ is magnified, made greater, heightened, etc. yet when we die like Him in whatever way He has set up, Christ even becomes greater, for the works, and fruits of our life culminate and are poured out to the entire world in a lesser way than the death of Christ, yet still in a truly great way for the Church and the world. Both to live the Gospel and to die the Gospel is glorious in their own particular ways, and I think that is where Saint Paul is making his point, and the Holy Spirit is asserting it. Edited January 20, 2009 by kafka Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LouisvilleFan Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 [quote name='kafka' post='1756205' date='Jan 20 2009, 03:25 AM']{1:19} For I know that this will bring me to salvation, through your prayers and under the ministration of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, {1:20} by means of my own expectation and hope. For in nothing shall I be confounded. Instead, with all confidence, now just as always, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. {1:21} For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. {1:22} And while I live in the flesh, for me, there is the fruit of works. But I do not know which I would choose. {1:23} For I am constrained between the two: having a desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ, which is the far better thing, {1:24} but then to remain in the flesh is necessary for your sake. {1:25} And having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and that I shall continue to remain with all of you, for your advancement and for your joy in the faith, {1:26} so that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus for me, through my return to you again.[/quote] I think these verses are very helpful. When we are given up completely to God, living is a sacrifice because every day of this earthly sojourn is another day we must wait for the heavenly consummation we eagerly anticipate. St. Paul dealt with many persecutions, just as many Christians today are persecuted in the flesh, and here in America we suffer the "white martyrdom" of political and social battles for the Gospel, life, and family. As many joyful and happy moments we may share in this life, at best they are a foretaste of heaven. Because of the Fall, suffering and death are destined to consume this life, so we must sacrifice everything in Christ in order to be saved. Our true and eternal reward is met in death. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orans Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 [quote name='Seven77' post='1748943' date='Jan 11 2009, 07:44 PM']I like what Ziggamafu is getting at. Life [i]is[/i] Christ. He is the meaning and purpose of life...He shows us what it is to live, to be human. He lived our life. When we were baptized we were baptized into Christ...we became Christ-ians, other Christs. We are to live his life--to [i]live him[/i]. He is Life. I read once somewhere: [b]identification[/b] with Christ is better than imitation of him.[/quote] I like this quote and Ziggamafu's. I think we tend to fall short of what being CHRISTian means, but in the end we are to become sons of God in Christ, in the Trinity. that is being Christ, one with Christ. Some Saints are a real expression of this for us, they show us how they can continue being themselves, -Mother Teresa, Edith Stein, John Paul II, ......- and yet we can see Christ loving, caring, suffering, through them. I think that we start from the [b][/b]imitation[b][/b] step, and with God's Grace we are to come to [b][/b]identification[b][/b] with Him -Christ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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