3 November 2020

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.

From Philippians 2:5-11, NRSV

These words probably form part of an ancient hymn which celebrates the divine nature of Christ. The hymn makes clear that although Christ was divine, he did not see this as something to keep to himself but to be shared with all of humanity. In order to do this, Christ became human and gave his life for the sake of the people he came to serve. The writer begins by telling his audience that they must be of the “same mind” that was in Christ Jesus. So, as children of God, we too are called to a life of service to others. Few of us will be called to make the same ultimate sacrifice that Christ made, but there are many other ways in which we can serve others. The life of St. Martin de Porres, whose feast is celebrated today, gives powerful testimony to a life of service. As a person of mixed race, Martin was not officially able to join a religious order and so became a volunteer in a Dominican monastery. In return for being given food and allowed to wear a robe, Martin performed acts of service through his work in the kitchen, the laundry and cleaning. Even after he was allowed to take vows to join the community, Martin’s service to others continued in his dedication to caring for the sick both within the monastery and the wider community, often risking danger to his own health in order to do so.

• • Why was it necessary for Christ to become human?
  • What acts of service are you called to?

Think about and give thanks those whose acts of service, big or small, make a difference to your life.