Sic transit gloria mundi!

Here’s a challenge

“Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,” (Philippians 2:5–7, NABRE)

We can see what that led to for Jesus

in today’s celebration

the events celebrated in the triduum.

We can also see what it could cost us

to turn and offer the other cheek

to give without expecting repayment

to respect every person’s human dignity

in every situation

without regard to status

(ie, apparent worth to us, to the world).

We can also see the effect

On the world

By people value different principles

people like Pilate, various Caesars, or even a certain would-be Czar who, right now, is invading Ukraine.

when they destroy peoples’ property, sovereignty, or their lives.

Can we also see it

Around us

When we ignore peoples’

needs

rights

dignity?

You and I by ourselves

Can’t destroy peoples and nations;

still less, save them from suffering and loss.

But together

Through generosity, kindness and sincere respect

we can spread some of Christ’s selflessness to people around us.

And if some of them learn from our actions and attitudes,

we all can spread it further

to build a more generous humanity;

to work for justice;

to speak up to aggressive leaders,

or to weak ones.

The actions of Jesus we commemorate today, and

Saint Paul’s message urging us to have the same attitude that was Christ’s;

these challenge us.

I have to ask myself, ‘What am I doing about it?’, ‘What could I do do more?’

Ask yourself, ‘What’s my response?’, ‘What could I do better?