Washington National Cathedral

The Sunday Forum: Critical Issues in the Light of Faith

The Very Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III, host

In the second of a pair of lectures, Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III talks about “Finding Peace in a Global Storm: St. Paul Speaks to a Troubled Time—The Secret of Contentment (No Matter the Circumstances).” In two consecutive Sunday Forums (January 25, and February 1) Dean Sam Lloyd explored one of the most remarkable letters ever written—Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Paul scribbled it while sitting in a Roman prison, and yet it shines with an almost unearthly joy and confidence. The first lecture is also available to view online.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians, also called the “epistle of joy,” consists of four short chapters. Even though Paul wrote the letter while imprisoned, he uses the work “rejoice” nine times. “How does that work?” Lloyd asks rhetorically. “When things could not look darker in so many ways, how can you sit there and say, rejoice? Is it some act of psychological denial? … Or is he onto something that we urgently need to know, not just in our heads but in our hearts and how we live our days?”

A key insight into understanding Jesus is his vulnerability, his “emptying himself,” his obedience to the point of dying on a cross. These ideas contradict common assumptions about the nature of an omnipotent God. “Jesus becomes the embodiment of a God who is seeking us,” Lloyd says. The God of immense power expresses his power through love—a love that comes with responsibilities, and often at great cost.

Lloyd describes this inviting God by referring to St. Augustine: “Without God, we can’t. Without us, God won’t. God works through our lives. We need God, but God needs us.” God collaborates with humans.

We humans might not be able to contribute very much to God’s efforts, but our contribution is essential, and the collaboration will transform us through God’s love. “Paul had this searing insight, that the heart of reality is not a scowl but a smile,” Lloyd says. “A gracious, winning, compassionate embrace is the defining truth of our existence.”

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4: 4–9)