Obedience and humility are not trendy attitudes in our society today. Slavery is rightfully regarded as abhorrent. To reflect on this helps us to receive the full impact of the second reading where St Paul writes: "... though he (Jesus) we 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." (Phil 2: 6-8) Those high up in the world of politics, entertainment and money, in our society, do not act this way. They have super yachts, grand mansions and bodyguards to keep them safe. The impact of Jesus' sacrifice is amplified as we consider that he did all of this while we were still sinners. How is it that many professed Catholics, aware of the blood that was shed for them, still struggle to take one hour out of their week to give thanks to the Lord for his mercy and love in the Mass? They want their children to go to Catholic schools but cannot shift themselves to pay reverence to the God who has shown them such love. This is a scandal. Today's readings should motivate us more than ever to express gratitude to God by ourselves being obedient to his command: "Do this in remembrance of me." (1 Cor 11: 24)
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