living and loving as never before
"Never act out of rivalry or conceit; rather, let all parties think humbly of others as superior to themselves, each of you looking to others' interests rather than to his own." —Philippians 2:3-4
By being baptized into Jesus' death and Resurrection, we receive a new nature. In this new nature, we relate to others quite differently.
For example, we naturally compare ourselves with others and note how we are superior to them in that we look better, dress better, have more money, have a better job, or are more intelligent, more talented, or even more holy. In our new nature, however, we note how others are superior to ourselves (Phil 2:3). We're not interested in looking good but in appreciating the gifts of others.
Naturally, we look at others to see how they fit into our lives and how we can benefit from them. In our new nature, however, we look to others' interests rather than our own (Phil 2:4). We look to serve others (Mt 20:28) and to fit into their lives.
Naturally, we want to be paid for what we do or at least be appreciated. In our new life in Christ, however, we intentionally do things for those who cannot repay us (Lk 14:14) or those who are so ungrateful that they will not appreciate us. We prefer to do things anonymously so that no one will know to repay or thank us except our heavenly Father.
Live the new life of humility, unselfishness, and self-effacing service.
Prayer: Father, give me the mind (1 Cor 2:16) and attitude (see Phil 2:5) of Christ.
Promise: "I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child." —Ps 131:2
Praise: Clara joyfully volunteers at a soup kitchen, blessing everyone who comes.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Seek First the Kingdom.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 31, 2016
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