Today’s verses are some of the most beautiful in Sacred Scripture.  We have what is essentially a poem or an ancient Christian hymn that was possibly sung at liturgies.  St. Paul quotes the hymn to urge believers to adopt the mind of Christ – a call to humility, self-sacrifice, and unity.  Let’s take a closer look at these verses.

The structure of the hymn is basically a “U-shaped” pattern.  There is Christ’s descent with His Incarnation (descent) and His humiliation (further descent).  After the descent, there is Christ’s Resurrection (ascent) and Ascension (further ascent).  

Christ’s extraordinary humility stands in contrast to Adam, who was created in the image and likeness of God.  Whereas Adam “grasped” at equality with God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Christ emptied himself from the Incarnation to death on a cross.    

Naturally, St. Paul quotes the ancient hymn to highlight the virtues he hopes the Philippians will grow in.  It is difficult to put into words Christ’s humility.  Humility is far more than acting nice or putting on a modest display.   Instead, it is the virtue by which you think about yourself less.  It means recognizing your total dependence on God, being honest with yourself about your limits, acknowledging that every good gift comes from our Lord, and submitting to God’s will in all things.  

Second, the hymn highlights Christ’s complete obedience.  Jesus submitted His own will to the Father’s, all the way to the cross, which was the most shameful and painful death of His time.   Likewise, following God’s will is not about whether it is convenient but rather about enduring hardship, sacrifice, and submitting to God’s will regardless of what it costs you.

In short, the virtues humility and obedience conform you to Christ.  Every time you pray, “Thy will be done,” you are essentially asking for an increase of humility and obedience.

The Philippians’ hymn is a great reminder that to go upward you must downward (the path upward goes downward).  There are plenty of ways to “lower” yourself each day.  Every time you pray, you admit, “I am not the center; you are.  I need you.”  Every time you go to confession, you “bend the knee” and say, “Lord, I have rebelled against you.  Forgive me.”

Practically, accept humiliations.  See them as ways to humble your pride.  Compliment and elevate others wherever possible.  Give others the benefit of the doubt before judging their motives.  In conversations, keep the attention focused on the other person.  Apologize quickly – own your mistakes and say, “I’m sorry.”  Accept menial tasks without recognition.  These are just some small ways to grow in humility and conform yourself with Christ!  Regardless, look for ways to humble yourself that God may exalt you!

                                                            ~St. Thérèse, pray for us!