Reflection: "He humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Our society has come to view obedience and humility as signs of weakness, yet we see the greatest man in history save our souls through His act of humility and obedience. It is through Jesus' obedience adn willingness to "take the form of a slave" that "God greatly exalted him." As we reflect on Jesus' Passion and the cross He had to bear, let us also reflect on how God is calling us to humble ourselves and to bear our own crosses out of obedience to God's will. We must move beyond being like those in Jerusalem who hailed Jesus' arrival only when they thought He was the Messiah who would make their lives perfect. We must like His disciples who welcomed a Savior who also asked them to carry their own crosses. "The Lord God is my help...I shall not be put to shame." No matter what this world may offer us and what crosses we may be asked to bear, if we do it for the glory of God we will always rise in glory like Christ did.
Reflection for younger saints: Jesus chose to obey God's will for Him, even though that meant He must die on the cross. In our lives God will ask us to do hard things, but if we obey Him God will always provide us with the help we need.
Big Picture: We are called to obedience and humility.
Discussion Starters:
Younger saints: What does it mean to be obedient? (To follow the rules of our parents, our teachers, the Church, and all those in positions of authority.) What does it mean to be humble? (To give praise to God when others praise our talents and our gifts. To remember that all we have been given is a gift from God.) How do we know God's will for us? (Through quiet prayer we can ask God to guide our lives and to show us what He wants us to do with the talents and gifts He has given us.) Who is our greatest example of obedience and being humble? (Jesus. He followed God's will even to death on the cross.)
Older saints: Reflect on your own obedience to God and to those in authority. How have you failed in obedience? How have you excelled? As we enter Holy Week and reflect on Jesus' cross, what cross have you been given in your life? Have you embraced the cross God is asking you to bear?
Scripture Verse for the Week: "He humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Philippians 2: 8
You are now entering the mission field: Invite a family member or friend to a Mass during Holy Week.
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