Humble Surrender for Life

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to apply the emptying of Christ to our mission as His followers.

Emptying in Love

The reading from the Book of Numbers describes The Bronze Serpent.

* [21:5] This wretched food: apparently the manna is meant.

* [21:6] Seraph: the Hebrew name for a certain species of venomous snake; etymologically the word might signify “the fiery one.” Compare the winged throne guardians in Is 6:2, 6; see also Is 14:29; 30:6.

* [21:8] Everyone who has been bitten will look at it and recover: in the Gospel of John this scene is regarded as a type for the crucifixion of Jesus (Jn 3:14–15).

* [21:9] King Hezekiah, in his efforts to reform Israelite worship, “smashed the bronze serpent Moses had made” (2 Kgs 18:4). (Numbers, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 78 declares God’s Goodness and Israel’s Ingratitude.

There are two distinct narratives of approximately equal length: the wilderness events (Ps 78:12–39) and the movement from Egypt to Canaan (Ps 78:40–72). The structure of both is parallel: gracious act (Ps 78:12–16, 40–55), rebellion (Ps 78:17–20, 56–58), divine punishment (Ps 78:21–31, 59–64), God’s readiness to forgive and begin anew (Ps 78:32–39, 65–72). While the Psalm has been thought to reflect the reunification program of either King Hezekiah (late eighth century) or King Josiah (late seventh century) in that the Northern Kingdom (Ephraim, Joseph) is especially invited to accept Zion and the Davidic king, a postexilic setting is also possible. Notable is the inclusion of the David-Zion tradition into the history of Israel recounted in the sources of the Pentateuch. (Psalms, PSALM 78, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians is a hymn declaring Christ’s kenosis.

* [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.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus instructs Nicodemus on being “lifted up”.

* [3:14] Lifted up: in Nm 21:9 Moses simply “mounted” a serpent upon a pole. John here substitutes a verb implying glorification. Jesus, exalted to glory at his cross and resurrection, represents healing for all.

* [3:15] Eternal life: used here for the first time in John, this term stresses quality of life rather than duration.

* [3:16] Gave: as a gift in the incarnation, and also “over to death” in the crucifixion; cf. Rom 8:32. (John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Elvin Cardoso, S.J. comments that in Philippians 2:7, Saint Paul writes, “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

This emptying, or “kenosis,” is central to the mystery of the Cross, and that is the meaning St. Paul wishes to convey to the Philippians that Christ did not cling to His divine privilege but chose to become one like us, experiencing our limitations and suffering in full measure. His emptying then was an act of profound humility and love. Through this act of self-emptying, we genuinely become vessels of God’s love and grace. When we relinquish our agendas and embrace a spirit of humility and service, we become co-workers with Christ in His mission of love and salvation. (Cardoso, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Story of Moses and the bronze serpent,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"This story is a type of the whole mystery of the incarnation. For the serpent signifies bitter and deadly sin, which was devouring the whole race on the earth... biting the Soul of man and infusing it with the venom of wickedness. And there is no way that we could have escaped being conquered by it, except by the relief that comes only from heaven. The Word of God then was made in the likeness of sinful flesh, 'that he might condemn sin in the flesh' (Romans 8:3), as it is written. In this way, he becomes the Giver of unending salvation to those who comprehend the divine doctrines and gaze on him with steadfast faith. But the serpent, being fixed upon a lofty base, signifies that Christ was clearly manifested by his passion on the cross, so that none could fail to see him." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Philippians 2:6-11 reflects that Christ Jesus . . . humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6, 8)

“Jesus, your humble acceptance of the cross saved the world. In your humility, you don’t condemn me or anyone else—you simply offer eternal life (John 3:17). I choose to follow you, Jesus, even when it seems to contradict the way I think things should go. I bend my knee and declare that you are Lord of my life and Lord of this world, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11)!”

“Jesus, you are the Lord! I choose to follow you in humility today.” (Meditation on Philippians 2:6-11, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reviews the situation where the Israelites are out of patience with God and the food He provides. The Bronze Serpent was a totem object that represented the healing needed much as at Lourdes and Fatima today. Friar Jude reminds us of the hour of love and glory when Jesus is lifted up on Cross and invites us into His Love.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, says it well: Pain that isn’t processed is passed on. Pain that isn’t transformed is transmitted. So we need to process our woundedness with God, and that processing begins by naming the pain and holding it … in God’s presence:

Betrayed. Insulted. Taken advantage of. Lied to. Forgotten. Used. Abused. Belittled. Passed over. Cheated. Mocked. Snubbed. Robbed. Vandalized. Misunderstood. Misinterpreted. Excluded. Disrespected. Ripped off. Confused. Misled.  

It’s important not to rush this process. We need to feel our feelings, to let the pain actually catch up with us…. I’ve found that it takes less energy to feel and process my pain than it does to suppress it or run away from it. So, just as through confession we name our own wrongs and feel regret, through petition we name and feel the pain that results from the wrongs of others…. We translate our pain into requests:  

Comfort. Encouragement. Reassurance. Companionship. Vindication. Appreciation. Boundaries. Acknowledgement.  

It’s important to note that we are not naming what we need the person who wronged us to do for us. If we focus on what we wish the antagonist would do to make us feel better, we unintentionally arm the antagonist with still more power to hurt us. Instead, in this naming, we are turning from the antagonist to God, focusing on what we need God to do for us. We’re opening our soul to receive healing from God’s ever present, ever generous Spirit. (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the value of our surrender to the Will Of God in our navigation through life.

References

Cardoso, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/091424.html 

John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?13 

Meditation on Philippians 2:6-11. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/09/14/1072554/ 

Numbers, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/21?4 

Philippians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2?6 

Psalms, PSALM 78. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/78?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/forgiveness-and-mercy-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). So Must the Son of Man Be Lifted Up. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved September 14, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=sep14a 

Lifted Up in Community

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to trust in the direction of the Holy Spirit to lead us to greater Love for our community and greater experience of full life.

Life in Community

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the Believers share their possessions.

* [4:32–37] This is the second summary characterizing the Jerusalem community (see note on Acts 2:42–47). It emphasizes the system of the distribution of goods and introduces Barnabas, who appears later in Acts as the friend and companion of Paul, and who, as noted here (Acts 4:37), endeared himself to the community by a donation of money through the sale of property. This sharing of material possessions continues a practice that Luke describes during the historical ministry of Jesus (Lk 8:3) and is in accord with the sayings of Jesus in Luke’s gospel (Lk 12:33; 16:9, 11, 13). (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 93 praises the Majesty of God’s Rule.

* [Psalm 93] A hymn celebrating the kingship of God, who created the world (Ps 93:1–2) by defeating the sea (Ps 93:3–4). In the ancient myth that is alluded to here, Sea completely covered the land, making it impossible for the human community to live. Sea, or Flood, roars in anger against God, who is personified in the storm. God’s utterances or decrees are given authority by the victory over Sea (Ps 93:5). (Psalms, PSALM 93 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Nicodemus ponders Being Lifted Up

* [3:8] Wind: the Greek word pneuma (as well as the Hebrew rûah) means both “wind” and “spirit.” In the play on the double meaning, “wind” is primary.

* [3:14] Lifted up: in Nm 21:9 Moses simply “mounted” a serpent upon a pole. John here substitutes a verb implying glorification. Jesus, exalted to glory at his cross and resurrection, represents healing for all.

* [3:15] Eternal life: used here for the first time in John, this term stresses quality of life rather than duration. (John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Mardell Wilson comments on how the entire community of believers came together to support one another, and that together, they were greater than the sum of their individual parts. They were not focused on individual needs or desires, but on the needs of the community as a whole.

This Easter season we celebrate Jesus who has defeated sin, death, and the power of the devil.  Surely as Christ overcame death we too can work to overcome the selfishness, pettiness, and disunity in our world today. Just like the individuals in Acts 4, we have needs. The way God provides for those needs is through the living, breathing body of the risen Christ, and the grace he gives us. If the living God can raise Jesus back to life, He most certainly can unite the hearts and minds of followers of Jesus in his grace and love!  No one needs to take their ball and go home as we share in the victory of salvation. 

Lord, help us deny our selfishness, greed, and pride. Help us step out and share your love with a will and devotion to uniting our community. We ask for boldness and courage from the Holy Spirit so, like the apostles, we too won’t be able to stop talking about your atoning life, death, and resurrection. Amen. (Wilson, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “He descended so that we might ascend,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Spiritual birth happens when human beings, being earthly, become heavenly. And this can only happen when they are made members of me. So that he may ascend who descended, since no one ascends who did not descend. Therefore everyone who needs to be changed and raised must meet together in a union with Christ so that the Christ who descended may ascend, considering his body (that is to say, his church)6 as nothing other than himself." (ON THE MERITS AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND ON INFANT BAPTISM 1.60) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 3:7-15  comments that prayers that seem logical and wise are left unanswered. Plans change and unexpected situations arise. Regardless, our faith tells us that the Spirit is moving. Even in the midst of suffering, God is working (Romans 8:28). While circumstances may confuse us, God’s desire remains the same: to lead us to himself, to make us holy, and to walk alongside us always.

We cannot foresee every twist and turn of life. Living by the Spirit often requires “adjusting our sails,” letting go of the familiar, and embracing the mystery involved in following Jesus. It means not fighting the wind but yielding to the Spirit’s direction and making sure his wind is at our backs. And it means trusting that the Spirit is always there. He is our consoler, tenderly listening to our prayers. He is our guide, leading us by the hand through life’s hills and valleys. And he is our strength, filling our sails and moving us forward with the power we need to reach our heavenly home.

“Holy Spirit, I yield to you today.” (Meditation on John 3:7-15, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the impression of the disciples sharing a “Kum ba yah” community as Luke introduces the community and Barnabas in the passage from Acts. The dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus becomes more of a monologue as Jesus explains being “lifted up” by recalling Moses and the bronze serpent. Friar Jude reminds us of the Greek understanding of “lifted up” as exaltation and the theme in John that our experience of Eternal Life begins as soon as we know Jesus.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that for many practicing Jews and Christians, Sabbath rest is an essential practice to “tend the fire within.” Biblical scholar Renita J. Weems recalls the Sabbath of her childhood. Weems acknowledges that Sabbath is difficult to maintain, but can be a healing balm if practiced.

The Lord’s Day allows us to bring our souls, our emotions, our senses, our vision, and even our bodies back to God so that God might remember our tattered, broken selves and put our priorities back in order. The Sabbath makes sure we have the time to do what’s really important and be with those we really care about.  

I miss the Sabbath of my childhood. I miss believing in the holiness of time. I miss believing there was a day when time stood still. There’s virtually little in this culture, and hardly anything in my adult comings and goings, to serve as a timely reminder of how precious time really is, to remind me of sacred moments. (Rohr, n.d.)

When we open ourselves to the wind of the Holy Spirit, we allow the possibility that our path will take that of deeper relationship with God and our community.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/4?32 

John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3? 

Meditation on John 3:7-15. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/04/09/933581/ 

Psalms, PSALM 93 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/93?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Practicing Sabbath. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/practicing-sabbath/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Must Be Born Anew. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=apr9 

Wilson, M. (2024, April 9). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/040924.html