Harvesting
Jörg Breu, 1500
My dear friends,
As we enter the second Sunday of Advent, we find ourselves in a season of waiting, hope, and transformation. The Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians offer a vision of spiritual friendship, a partnership in the divine purpose, which shines as a light on our path toward deeper understanding and love. From the Bodhisattva perspective, this passage becomes a guide for nurturing and cultivating bodhicitta, the "Awakening Mind" of love, compassion, and wisdom.
for every remembrance of you,
always praying with joy
in every one of my prayers
for all of you,
for your partnership in the gospel
from the first day until now.
- Philippians 1:3-5
In Paul’s words, we witness the warmth of empathetic joy (mudita), one of the Four Immeasurables (brahmaviharas, or "divine abodes"). Mudita is the joy in the well-being and goodness of others, which arises naturally from the practice of bodhicitta. Paul’s gratitude for the Philippians reflects this joy and encouragement, and as we walk the Bodhisattva path, we too cultivate mudita for others' spiritual growth and well-being. This quality of joy lightens our hearts and removes envy, allowing us to celebrate the spiritual journey of all beings.
will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 1:6
Paul’s confidence in the "one who began a good work" within his friends resembles the Buddhist concept of bodhicitta, the awakening mind. Just as the Holy Spirit nurtures faith in the followers of Christ, bodhicitta nurtures the seed of awakening within us, sustaining our journey toward enlightenment. This trust in the unfolding of divine purpose gives us patience, knowing that spiritual progress, though gradual, is assured when we remain on the path with sincerity and commitment.
for all of you are my partners in God's grace,
both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
- Philippians 1:7
Paul speaks of holding his friends in his heart, as partners in grace, and we are reminded here of the profound importance of sangha, the spiritual community. Just as Paul cherishes his fellowship with the Philippians, the Bodhisattva relies on the sangha for support, inspiration, and mutual encouragement. Through community, we are able to sustain love, compassion, and courage, especially in times of difficulty. This mutual support reminds us that our journey is not solitary; rather, we advance together with joy and purpose.
with the tender affection of Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 1:8
Here, Paul expresses his love, which reflects the brahmavihara of metta, or loving-kindness. This tender love, like Christ’s, is boundless, all-encompassing, and unconditional. In our Bodhisattva practice, we strive to nurture such a love within ourselves, one that sees beyond the superficial and honors the divine potential within every being. This love is the root of our compassion, guiding us to selfless service and unwavering dedication to the liberation of all beings.
with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what really matters,
so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless,
having produced the harvest of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
- Philippians 1:9-11
Paul prays that love may "overflow with knowledge and insight," which aligns with the Bodhisattva’s dedication to wisdom (prajna). For love to be transformative, it must be informed by understanding and discernment, allowing us to engage in skillful action. This insight reveals the nature of interdependence and emptiness, helping us to act without attachment or bias. Thus, our love becomes a harvest of righteousness—a fruit born from compassionate wisdom, dedicated to the welfare of all beings and the glory of the divine.
As we meditate upon these words in the season of Advent, may we aspire to walk as Bodhisattvas, cultivating empathetic joy, trust in the divine within, steadfast love for others, and the wisdom to act skillfully. Let us join with Paul in the prayer for love’s increase, that our hearts, minds, and actions may become a radiant light, guiding all beings toward liberation and peace.