Preaching for the Holy Eucharist, St. Agnes’ International Congregation, Oct 1 Sun, 2023,
Ezek. 18:1-4; 25-32, Phil. 2:1-13, Matt. 21:23-32
Title: Humility
In today's second reading, St. Paul tells us about the importance of not doing "from selfish ambition or conceit," but rather "in humility regard others as better than yourselves.” At first glance, this sounds like a moral that could be said without being Christian. He goes on to say, "Let each of you look not to your own interests , but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” This could be translated differently grammatically. "Let the same mind be in you one toward another that you have in Christ Jesus.” In other words, the basis for this "humility" is not worldly morality but Jesus himself. Furthermore, Paul witnesses Jesus, saying “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.”
Furthermore, as seen above, one of the reasons for which Jesus made himself emptied, and took the form of a slave is also found in the last passage of today's Old Testament lesson. It says, "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live."
Thus God wants us to live. In that sense, Jesus died so that we might live. Then, what about that in the Gospel? Jesus harshly criticizes the chief priests and elders. However, this is because, although they saw God's mercy shown to "tax collectors and prostitutes," they themselves did not identify that they were the object of God's mercy. Moreover, God did not destroy them; on the contrary, He showed His love and mercy by being killed by them.
We cannot do "in humility regard others as better than yourselves” at all by our own efforts alone. It can only be done when God's love and mercy become the foundation of ourselves. Again, God's love and mercy were manifested in the world through Christ, who "was in the form of God,” nevertheless He “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.” Therefore, let us offer thanksgiving and praise which suit His love and mercy, together with you all today.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Ezek. 18:1-4; 25-32, Phil. 2:1-13, Matt. 21:23-32
Title: Humility
In today's second reading, St. Paul tells us about the importance of not doing "from selfish ambition or conceit," but rather "in humility regard others as better than yourselves.” At first glance, this sounds like a moral that could be said without being Christian. He goes on to say, "Let each of you look not to your own interests , but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” This could be translated differently grammatically. "Let the same mind be in you one toward another that you have in Christ Jesus.” In other words, the basis for this "humility" is not worldly morality but Jesus himself. Furthermore, Paul witnesses Jesus, saying “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.”
Furthermore, as seen above, one of the reasons for which Jesus made himself emptied, and took the form of a slave is also found in the last passage of today's Old Testament lesson. It says, "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live."
Thus God wants us to live. In that sense, Jesus died so that we might live. Then, what about that in the Gospel? Jesus harshly criticizes the chief priests and elders. However, this is because, although they saw God's mercy shown to "tax collectors and prostitutes," they themselves did not identify that they were the object of God's mercy. Moreover, God did not destroy them; on the contrary, He showed His love and mercy by being killed by them.
We cannot do "in humility regard others as better than yourselves” at all by our own efforts alone. It can only be done when God's love and mercy become the foundation of ourselves. Again, God's love and mercy were manifested in the world through Christ, who "was in the form of God,” nevertheless He “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.” Therefore, let us offer thanksgiving and praise which suit His love and mercy, together with you all today.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.