Homily: October 1, 2023, Twenty sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Attitude of Christ).

 "Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus."

What is the attitude of Christ?

In today’s second reading, St. Paul described in much detail. This writing was known as the Christ Hymn in olden days.

One phrase stands out very prominently for me: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves”.

This is Christ's attitude, in one word it is ‘humility’.

But can we really have the same attitude in us? Is it possible for us to be selfless like Christ, and regard others as more important?

Jesus emptied Himself to redeem us, He regarded our salvation as more important than His own life. When we look at the crucifix, we see true humility.

In this world, we observe arrogance, pride, big egos and overpowering self-regard, few people are ready for compromise, many are easily offended, considering themselves and their opinions most important and valuable, anyone with a differing view becomes an enemy. 

I have witnessed many heated arguments over simple matters, in meetings where all were supposed to be of the same heart and mind, of the same faith and belief, children of the same heavenly Father.

Few people seem willing to listen to others or try to understand their viewpoint, even fewer are ready to let others take the lead or be under the authority of others.

We are afraid to be vulnerable, to admit that others can be better than us.

Is that humility? Is that the attitude of Christ?

God the Father is always faithful, always reaching out despite unending betrayal and rejection. God the Son gave Himself totally, body and soul, unconditionally, and without reserve. God the Holy Spirit continually empowers, guides and pours out graces.

Do these truths inspire us? How can we take on the same attitude of Christ, of God?

The first step is to understand and recognize who we are. Our identity is not based on what we have owned or achieved in life but on our relationship with God. We are the beloved children of a loving Father.

This understanding and recognition should break all our arrogance and pride, should place us in a humble awareness that we are nothing without God, we can do nothing without Him, we own nothing without His blessings.

This leads us to the next level: to love others with the same love of our heavenly Father. Love that gives life and holds back nothing.

The saints have shown us how they have imitated Christ in their lives. As Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, "It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted, and ardent. If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed you will not be discouraged. If they call you a saint you will not put yourself on a pedestal."

So let us learn to empty ourselves, regard others as more important. When we practice this humility, we will see transformation in our lives and in the world.

Just as 'God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name,' He will exalt us as well. This exaltation brings immense joy into our lives, and we will be liberated from the grip of our own egos.

Through humble obedience, Jesus was resurrected from death, we too will be released from condemnation. Amen.