"The Lenten Pilgrimage" - Day 22

Saturday, March 13th

     “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself…”

                                                                     

                                                                                                                Philippians 2:5-7a 

     Today, we ponder the Christ who willingly emptied himself of all rightful honor, prestige and power, to become lowly, despised and weak on our behalf.  We consider the mystery of the Word who spiraled down into the stifling limitations of human flesh.

      In our world where power, status and success are passionately pursued and highly favored, the downward mobility of Jesus stands in stark contrast. 

      But we do not stand gawking at the ancient pages of the Bible as if we have come to a quaint exhibit in a museum.   We cast our gaze upon the Christ who became small, because we are small.  He became weak, because we are weak.  He came to us in our lostness, in order to lead us home.

      And today we are reminded, to let the same mind be in us.

Prayer  

     Lord Jesus, you emptied yourself of what was rightfully yours in order to enter fully into our 

     broken humanity.  You call us to a life of humble service, modeling for us a manner of living

     that is marked by humility and compassion.  Give us eyes to see and ears to hear your 

     message of love and grace.  Reveal to us every stumbling block our self-serving egos have 

     placed between us and you.  Help us to heed and faithfully respond to the words of the 

     Apostle Paul, that the same mind would be in us, that was in you.  In your name we pray.  

     Amen.