Sunday, September 27
Philippians 2: 1-11
Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)
From the fall of our first parents to the most recent family squabble, the world has held onto one philosophy when it comes to relationships: make sure you get your way, no matter what. Stand your ground. Even if you discover you were wrong, don’t give in. Do not submit.
How different is the way of the Lord! Take today’s second reading. St. Paul tells us that Jesus didn’t demand that we submit to Him. Instead, He submitted to us. He who is Lord of all took “the form of a slave,” pouring Himself out in miracles of healing and deliverance (Philippians 2: 7). He who is the wisdom of God patiently taught the way of forgiveness and holiness. And He who is pure and undefiled stooped to wash dirty, dusty feet.
And in his final act of submission, He offered no resistance when we mocked Him, beat Him, and crucified Him. Not because He was weak, but because He was strong. Not because He had lost, but because He knew that this was the way to win. And God proved Him right. Because Jesus chose humility over pride and service over force, His Father raised Him up and exalted him as Lord.
Jesus didn’t come to win an argument; He came to win our hearts. By humbling Himself like this, He showed that His love is real, solid, and eternal. Now He asks us to follow His example. Just as He came not to be served but to serve, He asks us to serve each other. He asks us to win each other’s hearts rather than try to break each other’s wills.
This isn’t always easy. Sometimes it means caring for a fussy in-law, cooperating with an unhappy coworker, or cleaning your teenager’s bedroom-again. Neither is it always successful. There’s no guarantee that you will win the other person’s heart. But you will be pleasing Jesus, and that is its own reward.
“Lord, teach me how to become a servant after Your own heart.”
Ezekiel 18:25-28
Psalm 25:4-5, 8-14
Matthew 21 :28-32
Daily Reflections from “The Word Among Us”
Recorded music remains the property of the Artists/Writers.
No ownership is implied
Our Hymns:
Come, Now Is the Time to Worship – Oslo Gospel Choir
All That We Have – The Dameans
You’ll Never Walk Alone – Virtual Choir/Orchestra 15 Countries: 300 People
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gpoJNv5dlQ
Testify to Love – Wyonna Judd
