Tuesday 20^th January – Feast of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi

Reflection: Philippians 2: 1-11

WHAT ARE YOU CLINGING TO?

“His state was divine, yet he did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave…” (Philippians 2: 6-7)

The mystery of the incarnation continually baffles man through the centuries. To think of the immense love that led God to come and live amongst us as man is indeed very puzzling. However, it is not enough to simply reflect on God’s love. It is more important to imitate that love – to return love for love; loving God and our neighbour in response to the love His has shown to us (1 John 4:19).

In today’s first reading, St Paul reminds us that Christ did not cling to His equality with God, but emptied Himself. As human beings we tend to hold tightly to our possessions. The desire for permanent comfort and fear of future lack often prevents us from letting go of that which we have be it wealth, position, power, privilege, fame etc. Man tends to hold tightly to whatever good he possesses, often times to the detriment of himself and his neighbour. What are you clinging to? What are you holding on to so tightly that is preventing you from seeing the needs of those around you?

Dear friends, it is only when we let go of an unhealthy attachment to mundane things that we can empty ourselves like Christ. It is only when we do not allow our possessions to possess us that we can truly humble ourselves and treat others with love and compassion. Only then would we be able to look out for the interest of others and consider others better than ourselves as St Paul admonishes us to today (Philippians 2: 3-4). Today, let go of that which you are clinging to and let the love of Christ shine through you to all.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for loving me so much. Please free me from all worldly attachment that I may extend the love you have shown me to those around me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2779 – Before we make our own this first exclamation of the Lord’s Prayer, we must humbly cleanse our hearts of certain false images drawn “from this world”. Humility makes us recognise that “no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to who the son chooses to reveal him,” that is, “to little children.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Philippians 2: 1-11; Isaiah 12 (canticle); Matthew 13: 44-46