Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
When we know another person particularly well, as in marriage, family, or a close friendship, the other’s habits and attitudes begin to rub off on us. This influence can be mundane: I pick up a habit of saying “Oh, my!” whenever surprised. But it can be an influence of deeper character: I am inspired and moved to a deeper generosity from my friend who is always generous with her time.
As Christians, we are to learn the attitudes and character of Christ: humility, obedience to the Father, self-emptying love for others. This task is the challenge Paul gives the Philippians in today’s second reading. Through our Baptism and Confirmation, we already participate in the Spirit of Jesus. But as in any relationship, we must spend time with Christ if we truly want to learn his way of being and acting. Do we intentionally set aside time just to be with Jesus, to learn his ways? Do we ask that he share himself in this way?
Today, let’s set aside time to be in the presence of Jesus. Let us ask him to renew his Spirit in our hearts, so that we might learn his attitudes, his ways of being and acting.