Obedience to the Point of Death

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he he humbled himself, and became obedient to the point of death– even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8, NRSVCE)

“Then the master of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’” (Luke 14:21-24, NRSVCE)

It’s here. The day that sometimes felt would never come.

Oh, I’m not naïve enough to believe that this all will be decided by the time I go to bed tonight. But I am naïve enough or optimistic enough or faith-filled enough to believe that if we wrap ourselves in the attitude of humility and obedience as Paul so beautifully describes in today’s first lectionary reading, we’ll get through this.

But what about (fill in the blank)? Where’s the attitude of humility and obedience there?

I haven’t a clue. But I have faith that God will lead us through whatever is to come… and that doubting that is much like those who found a reason to decline the Master’s dinner invitation.

Trust—or you may never taste the dinner.

By Melanie

Melanie Rigney is the author of Radical Saints: 21 Women for the 21st Century and other Catholic books. She is a contributor to Living Faith and other Catholic blogs. She lives in Arlington, Virginia. Melanie also owns Editor for You, a publishing consultancy that since 2003 has helped hundreds of writers, publishers, and agents.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *