It’s natural to want to feel important, but St. Paul encourages us to regard others as more important. William Manaker, SJ, reflects on St. Paul’s words and Christ’s actions in showing love to others. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Jesus’s attitude places others first.
Hi, my name is William Manaker, and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
“Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves.” For me, at least, these words from St. Paul are tough to live by. Pretty naturally, I want to be respected and feel important. And in little, everyday things, I’d rather have my way than bend and follow someone else’s preferences.
But in today’s reading from Philippians, Paul shows us a different attitude: the attitude of Jesus. Jesus chose to lower himself, becoming human and even “taking the form of a slave” so that he could save us out of love. That love led to the cross, and through the cross, to new life.
So here’s Paul’s challenge for us today: to put on Jesus’s attitude, the attitude of love that looks out for the interests of others rather than just our own. It’s worth it.
