31st Week of OT 2018 - Monday - Putting on the mind of Christ

Throughout the week, our first reading will be taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul’s short four chapter letter to the Philippians, can easily be read in one sitting.

Philippi, in northeastern Greece, was a city of some importance located on a major trade route of the Roman Empire. Reading through this letter, you can tell that Paul has a special place in his heart for the Christians of Philippi.  And this makes sense, because according to the book of Acts, Philippi is the first Christian community established by Paul in Europe.

This letter is neither a treatise on systematic theology, like Paul’s epistle to the Romans, nor is it a practical, moral letter answering many specific questions and local problems, like I Corinthians.  Rather, Philippians is a pastoral, personal letter in which Paul expresses his love for the Philippians, his confidence in their progress in holiness, and his joy that the Gospel is spreading.  And he writes all this while in prison in Rome where he was awaiting death.

We will hear Philippians most famous passage tomorrow, Paul’s Christological Hymn—the song of Christ’s self-emptying---that Christ emptied himself and took the form of a slave and died on a cross.
But, today’s passage is like a mini-introduction to the hymn—Paul exhorts the Christians to, “complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.”  The “mind” they are to adopt is the “mind” or “attitude” of Jesus who humbled himself to the point of death on the cross, which will be sung about in the following verses. The servant-attitude of Christ isn’t just for some members of the community, but all of them.

Then he writes, “Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves”. This sort of humility was certainly counter-cultural for the Philippians, as it is today. In the Roman empire, one’s place in the imperial pecking order was of great concern. One was expected to pursue higher status with great ambition, willing to prove that you are better than the people and the classes below you.

“Compassion” and “mercy” were signs of weakness. The cultural attitude was to regard yourself as better than others and treat them that way.

Rather, Paul, instructs us to adopt the attitude of Jesus Christ in all things. Look for opportunities to practice compassion and mercy. Hold banquets for the poor and the outcasts, as the Lord instructs in the Gospel.  Do not worry about where you stand in the social order, in the eyes of your neighbors and coworkers. Rather, pour yourself out like Christ in service, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
 
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That bishops, priests, and all ministers of the Gospel may seek to imitate Jesus in his charity, compassion, self-sacrifice, and witness to the Truth.

That those seeking political office tomorrow on Election Day will use their political influence selflessly to serve Christ’s kingdom of justice and peace..

That all Christians may be dedicated to the works of mercy, especially in serving the needs of the most vulnerable.

For the impoverished and sick and those experiencing any sort of trial: that Jesus the Bread of Life will be their sustenance.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.