My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I would like to call your attention this week specifically to our second reading for Palm Sunday. This reading from Philippians is commonly referred to as a "Christ Hymn". Here are the words:
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend,of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.
As Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he was facing much uncertainty. Once again, he has been imprisoned. This time however, Paul is wondering if he might soon be executed. Paul's journey has been difficult, and his work tiring. He has faced much persecution, much misunderstanding. He has had to face punishment through flogging, and has suffered much in his trials. Paul is aware that the Christians in Philippa are suffering many trials as well. Like Paul, they are suffering from much persecution by non-Christians. This "new religion" is being seen as suspicious, especially the idea of the worship of only one God. In addition to this, Paul has become aware of some Christians that may be acting out of improper motivation. Some might simply be serving the church community out of self interest, rather than out of a true desire to serve. It is clear that this Church community is struggling, and Paul is clearly concerned that some might be losing hope and interest in continuing on.
Paul responds to them by saying " Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus", and then continues with a recitation of this Christ Hymn that we find in our reading from Philippians today. Paul tells them to let their attitude be like that of Christ.... who while being God, emptied himself entirely for our sake in becoming human. Even though he was still divine, he allowed himself to become entirely subject to us....a servant of servants. Jesus clearly is God, and still, he chose to sit at the feet of the disciples and washed their feet like the lowliest of servants. This Jesus, who is King of kings and Lord of Lords, regularly ate and dined with tax collectors, sinners, and those on the fringes of society. Our God, who came to us and chose to take on human flesh, allowed himself to be misunderstood, arrested, beaten, and executed. He chose to endure suffering and pain, even to the point of death, in obedience to the Father's will that the Truth be spoken. Through Jesus, humanity was brought back into relationship with God. Jesus, in his ministry, revealed the Father to us and enabled us to come to know God not as a distant being that has no interest in creation nor humanity, but as a God of love who desires for us to be in relationship with Him.
However, his message was not accepted by many. He was misunderstood and rejected. Facing arrest and punishment as a common criminal, he was forced to suffer tremendously the pains of public flogging, and to be executed as a slave. Yet, even in the midst of so much suffering, he remained obedient to his mission. However, as this hymn mentions, the death of Jesus was not the end of the story. Paul goes on to say, "Because of this, God highly exalted him, and bestowed on him the name above every other name". In his death, there is exaltation. In his remaining obedient to his mission to even death, God rewards His son by bestowing on him "the name that is above every other name". In Jesus death and resurrection, he is glorified. Jesus is exalted...so that every knee must bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Unlike Adam who had reached for status that wasn't his to claim, in trying to be like God, he in fact pushed himself away from God and sinned. With Jesus, we see the new Adam, who while being entitled to divine status, emptied himself of it in becoming human...In this lowering of himself and allowing himself to be subjected to humanity, even in allowing himself to be crucified, he is then glorified.
Paul, in his use of this beautiful hymn, is telling the Philippians to find courage in the midst of despair and suffering.... There is reason for hope in their difficulties. As Jesus was exalted in his death, so too shall we be exalted by God.. Remaining faithful to our call to discipleship will involve trials and suffering. One could even say that generally speaking, all commitments involve sacrifice. Whether it be a commitment to a spouse, one's children, and even a religious community, commitments taken seriously involve sacrifice at times. It is easy to be committed when things are going fine, but when moments of difficulty arrive, it's a different story. Now, I am not speaking about more complicated situations such as abuse, but rather, the more common struggles in life, such as when a spouse or a child becomes ill, a spouse loses a job, or if a child is struggling in school.. These can certainly be trying.
In returning to Boston, I too struggled with the difficulties of transition. Saying goodbye to friends in New York, starting anew in a new house, school, and parish environment. These were all difficult challenges that I had to face. On top of that, I have struggled with the irreconcilable loss of a friendship, which is always painful and difficult, especially when you desire to be reconciled and the other person doesn't. There are times in our lives where personal commitments involve serious sacrifice...love involves sacrifice, and it may seem as though there is no room for hope when we are in the midst of struggles. We can easily fall into a sense of despair and deep sorrow...However, Paul reminds us today to keep our minds fixed on Christ...Who remained faithful to his commitment unto death...but we are reminded that the story didn't end there... As Jesus was raised from the dead and was exalted by his father, there is a resurrection for each of us... There certainly is hope... May we find comfort and inspiration in the words of this beautiful Christ Hymn....May God bless you, and be assured of my prayers for you as we enter into this Holy Week.
Br. Ernie
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