The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to put on the attitude of Christ to open our lives to sharing our time, treasure, and talent in supporting the community of all people as children of God.
The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians presents a Hymn of Jesus Kenosis.
* [2:5] Have…the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus: or, “that also Christ Jesus had.” While it is often held that Christ here functions as a model for moral imitation, it is not the historical Jesus but the entire Christ event that Phil 2:6–11 depict. Therefore, the appeal is to have in relations among yourselves that same relationship you have in Jesus Christ, i.e., serving one another as you serve Christ (Phil 2:4).
* [2:6–11] Perhaps an early Christian hymn quoted here by Paul. The short rhythmic lines fall into two parts, Phil 2:6–8 where the subject of every verb is Christ, and Phil 2:9–11 where the subject is God. The general pattern is thus of Christ’s humiliation and then exaltation. More precise analyses propose a division into six three-line stanzas (Phil 2:6; 7abc, 7d–8, 9, 10, 11) or into three stanzas (Phil 2:6–7ab, 7cd–8, 9–11). Phrases such as even death on a cross (Phil 2:8c) are considered by some to be additions (by Paul) to the hymn, as are Phil 2:10c, 11c.
* [2:6] Either a reference to Christ’s preexistence and those aspects of divinity that he was willing to give up in order to serve in human form, or to what the man Jesus refused to grasp at to attain divinity. Many see an allusion to the Genesis story: unlike Adam, Jesus, though…in the form of God (Gn 1:26–27), did not reach out for equality with God, in contrast with the first Adam in Gn 3:5–6.
* [2:7] Taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness: or “…taking the form of a slave. Coming in human likeness, and found human in appearance.” While it is common to take Phil 2:6, 7 as dealing with Christ’s preexistence and Phil 2:8 with his incarnate life, so that lines Phil 2:7b, 7c are parallel, it is also possible to interpret so as to exclude any reference to preexistence (see note on Phil 2:6) and to take Phil 2:6–8 as presenting two parallel stanzas about Jesus’ human state (Phil 2:6–7b; 7cd–8); in the latter alternative, coming in human likeness begins the second stanza and parallels 6a to some extent.
* [2:8] There may be reflected here language about the servant of the Lord, Is 52:13–53:12 especially Is 53:12.
* [2:9] The name: “Lord” (Phil 2:11), revealing the true nature of the one who is named.
* [2:10–11] Every knee should bend…every tongue confess: into this language of Is 45:23 there has been inserted a reference to the three levels in the universe, according to ancient thought, heaven, earth, under the earth.
* [2:11] Jesus Christ is Lord: a common early Christian acclamation; cf. 1 Cor 12:3; Rom 10:9. But doxology to God the Father is not overlooked here (Phil 2:11c) in the final version of the hymn. (Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 22 is a plea for Deliverance from Suffering and Hostility.
* [Psalm 22] A lament unusual in structure and in intensity of feeling. The psalmist’s present distress is contrasted with God’s past mercy in Ps 22:2–12. In Ps 22:13–22 enemies surround the psalmist. The last third is an invitation to praise God (Ps 22:23–27), becoming a universal chorus of praise (Ps 22:28–31). The Psalm is important in the New Testament. Its opening words occur on the lips of the crucified Jesus (Mk 15:34; Mt 27:46), and several other verses are quoted, or at least alluded to, in the accounts of Jesus’ passion (Mt 27:35, 43; Jn 19:24). (Psalms, PSALM 22 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus offers the Parable of the Great Dinner.
* [14:15–24] The parable of the great dinner is a further illustration of the rejection by Israel, God’s chosen people, of Jesus’ invitation to share in the banquet in the kingdom and the extension of the invitation to other Jews whose identification as the poor, crippled, blind, and lame (Lk 14:21) classifies them among those who recognize their need for salvation, and to Gentiles (Lk 14:23). A similar parable is found in Mt 22:1–10. (Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)
Barbara Dilly comments that the celebration of her Dad’s life was not just a sending for him, but a large participation in the Spirit. Those present did truly feel joy being of the same mind, the same love, united in heart, and in the encouragement of Christ.
But equally important has been the time we five siblings have been spending since his passing in settling the estate. It is such a consolation to each of us to be working together to look out for the interests of all. No one is behaving selfishly. All are being considerate of each other. Providing an opportunity to imitate Christ’s humility is what the death of a loved one can do for us. Too often, however, that is not the case, even among the faithful. I pray today, that we can all being in the same love and united in heart during such times of loss and sorrow. Indeed, that is the way of Christ. (Dilly, 2024)
Don Schwager quotes “The heavenly food of Jesus' word,” by Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD).
"The holy agape is the sublime and saving creation of the Lord... An agape is in reality heavenly food, a banquet of the Word. The agape, or love, 'bears all things, endures all things, hopes all things. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). 'Blessed is he who eats bread in the kingdom of God' (Luke 14:15). The most unlikely of all downfalls is charity that does not fail to be thrown down from heaven to earth among all these dainty seasonings. Do you still imagine that I refer to a meal that will be destroyed? (1 Corinthians 6:13) 'If I distribute my goods to the poor and do not have love,' Scripture says, 'I am nothing' (1 Corinthians 13:3). The whole law and the word depend on this love (Matthew 22:40). If you love the Lord your God and your neighbor (Mark 12:30-31), there will be a heavenly feast in heaven. The earthly feast, as we have proved from Scripture, is called a supper. It is permeated with love yet is not identified with it but is an expression of mutual and generous good will." (excerpt from CHRIST THE EDUCATOR 2,1) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Philippians 2:5-11 comments that He who sat at the Father’s right hand now walked among sinners like us. He who was worshipped and adored by angels endured suspicion, malice, and hardness of heart from his enemies and selfishness and misunderstanding from his friends. He who dwelt in eternal glory was nailed to a cross like a convicted criminal. All for you!
Doesn’t this fill your heart with gratitude and love for the Lord? Doesn’t it make you want to bow down before him in worship?
But don’t stop there. Take on this “same attitude”! Ask the Lord what that looks like for you. Ponder what it means for you to empty yourself and humble yourself in imitation of the Lord. Just know that Jesus honors every act of service you perform. He rejoices every time you lower yourself to lift someone up. And he promises to fill you with his life and love every time you empty yourself for his sake. Believe that he will lift you up just as he is lifted up!
“Jesus, thank you for emptying yourself for me! Teach me how to empty myself for the people in my life.” (Meditation on Philippians 2:5-11, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the Christological hymn that Paul adds to the Letter to the Philippians that celebrates the divinity and humanity of Christ. What was the exaltation of Christ? Raised to heaven? The Love of the Cross? Friar Jude reminds us to be alert to the call of Jesus to the heavenly banquet as we share our love and resources with others.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Episcopal bishop Rev. Barbara Harris (1930–2020) who invites us to rely on Christ’s peace.
Often as we sail over the tempestuous sea of life, our world is in storm on a personal, national, and global level. But not only is Christ on the ship, Christ is in command—even when he seems to be asleep. “He who keeps watch over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:3, Book of Common Prayer). And what a comfort lies in the simple thought: “His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me” [see Matthew 10:29].
Jesus hears us when we call, but he refuses to jump when we push the panic button. We are afraid to rely on that presence and the saving power. In our haste and our anxiety, we tend to rely on what we can see, count, touch, and feel. We forget that such things will pass away. We need, in the words of the old hymn, to “build our hopes on things eternal and hold to God’s unchanging hand.” (Rohr, n.d.)
We ponder the path under the guidance of the Spirit that leads to our emptying of self serving ambition as we accept the invitation to join the communion of people at the Banquet of God’s Love.
References
Dilly, B. (2024, November 5). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110524.html
Luke, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/14?15
Meditation on Philippians 2:5-11. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/05/1123128/
Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2?5
Psalms, PSALM 22 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/22?26
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Trusting in Christ’s Peace. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/trusting-in-christs-peace/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Invitation to the King's Banquet Table. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov5
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