Scripture:
Philippians 2:1-4
Luke 14:12-14
Reflection:
We understand that there is a direct relationship between how we relate to God and how we relate to others with whom we live, work and play. To be "of the same mind, with the same love" as St. Paul, we are to "do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory." The constant challenge is to want to do our own will and to have others do the same. It is a control thing. Relationships are not healthy when my control of you is the order of the day. We think, for example, that we know what the poor need. We may give, in charity, when we do not understand in which way the needy are really in need. Dolling out charity does not empower. But "looking out for the interest of another," means that I am willing to let go of my control of the situation and outcome! Is not that which Jesus asks the Pharisee to do when He asks him to "invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind?" Control needs are our desire for a certain outcome. The poor cannot repay with the outcome I want. Example: what happens when they don’t need me anymore? To be one with Christ through the example of Paul, let’s look at our willingness to see the other as "more important than ourselves", and let God work in this relationship. Is not our daily prayer "your will be done, your kingdom come?"
Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey High School, Birmingham, Alabama.