“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.”
What is truly better for a person? To be in heaven with God, or to be of use to God and his people here on earth? This is not an easy question to answer, as Paul shows us in today’s first reading. For him to quickly die a martyr’s death and be with God is, in a sense, “better,” because it means being in the fullness of God’s presence more quickly. But, as Paul observes, to remain here on earth means being useful to the Church at Philippi, not to mention in other places. Both are good paths. So how is Paul to know which he should desire more?
The unspoken criterion here by which Paul judges what is to be done is the will of God. In the end, Paul says he will remain, because this is how God wants Paul to serve at this particular moment. Perhaps, if Paul had desired, he could have acted in such a way as to hasten his martyrdom. But he does not. We also know, of course, that later on Paul does die a martyr’s death in Rome. But at this moment, it is not the time.
We, too, are faced with countless moments in which we must judge between goods. Sometimes it will be clear to us which good is better; at other times, however, it will not be so obvious. But in every case, what the Lord desires is that we embrace whatever good he sets before us, with love and humility. Such is the way of holiness.
Today, on the eve of All Saints Day, let us ask for this kind of obedience to God’s will, for the readiness to embrace whatever good God wills for us. And in this, we will find God’s peace and joy.