Thirty-First Tuesday in Ordinary Time

Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and, found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Just like Jesus, we are all called to empty ourselves. We must rid ourselves of all the thoughts that keep us from being holy in mind. We must rid ourselves of all the passions that keep us from being holy in body. We must rid ourselves of all the selfish inclinations that keep us from being holy in spirit. We must be willing to humble ourselves and become obedient to God no matter what our obedience might cost us. We must bend our knees, give glory to God, and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord with our every thought, word, and work. If we do all these things, then our Heavenly Father will exalt us and bless us and save us.

How can we empty ourselves and become slaves to our Lord and God? In what ways can we cultivate humble hearts and obedient minds? Are we willing to bend the knee and trust in God’s Divine Plan?

O Lord, we empty ourselves before you and hope you will fill us with your graces.

Amen.