Interconnected in Faith: Embracing the Spirit of Ubuntu

by Theresa Riel

Philippians 1:18-26 New Revised Standard Version

18 What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will result in my deliverance. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

As I read and interpret this message from Paul, this is what I see…

“I will continue to rejoice because your prayers, and the the gift of the Holy Spirit, give me hope and courage. Let us continue in progress and joy and fruitful labor”

“I”, “your”, “me” and “us” suggest that we are interconnected. Ubuntu is an African philosophy that emphasizes interconnectedness. Ubuntu basically means, I am who I am because I am in relationship to you. I feel like Paul is trying to explain this concept and relationship to the church in Phillipi. I also feel like interconnectedness is a great idea to ponder during the Advent Season, because Jesus was born into a community, and the plan for us is to be in community surrounded by the gift of the Holy Spirit. May the Breath of Heaven hold us all together in the spirit of Ubuntu as we continue in fruitful labor.

You can find “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant on Youtube, or Spotify, or Pandora.