Phil 2:1-4
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
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.
Transforming Our Relationships
One possible reflection to draw from today’s readings is the clear connection to the Jesuit educational objective of forming “men and women for others.” The correlation to the closing lines of the first reading from Paul’s epistle to the Philippians is obvious:
“…humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
each looking out not for his own interests,
but also everyone for those of others.”
When coupled with today’s Gospel (Lk 14:12-14), though, much deeper insight is possible.
Due to its highly structured nature, school life can easily be reduced to a daily series of transactions between students and adults. Bells ring. Attendance is taken. New work is turned in and old work is returned. Penance Halls (detentions) are issued, lunches are served, and pleasantries are exchanged in passing.
In today’s Gospel, during dinner at the home of a Pharisee, Christ teaches about the importance of showing hospitality and caring for people who are unable to repay you. Paul and Christ challenge us to go beyond the quid pro quo that too often characterizes our day-to-day lives. Rather than go through the motions and move on to the next transaction, we are called to engage in transformational interactions and relationships.
When I interact with colleagues or students, am I more concerned about what I will get back in return? Or am I willing to focus on what I can give? Being mindful of this can lead to transformative Christ-centered relationships which are rooted in serving others.
—Mike Scicchitano is the principal of Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Following you is not always easy.
Loving others can be hard.
And being called to put others first can feel like too much of an imposition.
But with your grace, Lord, I can do it.
Thank you for your example of selflessness.
May I keep your witness forever in my heart as I go about my day, so that through my actions,
others might come to know you.
I ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen
—Jesuit Prayer team