November 03, 2020

Phil 2: 5-11

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 as 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 humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.  Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.  

Sharing in the attitude of Christ

On this Election Day in the United States, Catholics find ourselves in our bind. No one candidate or political party fully represents our shared commitments, as expressed in Catholic Social Teaching, in all their depth and breadth. So what are we to do?

Today’s first reading reminds us that Jesus “did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited”; rather, he “emptied” and “humbled” himself, becoming obedient to death. 

As we peruse our ballots, we might consider which candidates are most likely to be humble servants, and which are in it for their own glorification. We might ask God to help us “have the same attitude” as Jesus as we prayerfully consider the effect the policies we endorse will have on the poor and vulnerable among us.

We may invoke the intercession of Jesuit Blessed Rupert Mayer, who stood up to the Nazis and ministered to the people of Munich. Help us, Lord, have the courage today to do what we know is right. 

—Dan Dixon, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province studying at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA. 

 

Prayer

Lord, what You will let it be so
Where You will there we will go
What is Your will help us to know 

Lord, when You will the time is right
In You there's joy in strife
For Your will I'll give my life 

To ease Your burden brings no pain
To forego all for You is gain
As long as I in You remain 

REFRAIN: 

Because You will it, it is best
Because You will it, we are blest
Till in Your hands our hearts find rest
Till in Your hands our hearts find rest

—Prayer of Blessed Rupert Mayer, SJ

Please share the Good Word with your friends!