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The life of Jesus provides us with the greatest example of humility. This week’s reading is from Philippians 2:6-11, a passage called the Christ Hymn by many theologians. Verses 5-8 say, “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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.”
Jesus, the Son of God, made himself a servant to all of humanity, stepping down from his heavenly throne to become a baby. We should be awed by the fact that he lived in humble conditions and gave up his life to save sinners in need of redemption. He didn’t consider himself too good for servanthood because he loved us.
Stellia Banda from Zambia is thankful for fellow Catholics who provided this blessing.
This Holy Week, we should adopt the same mindset and try to model the humility of Jesus. The story of Stellia Banda is a good example of what loving with humility can achieve. Because humble, compassionate Catholics felt called to improve Stellia’s life during last year’s Lenten outreach, a Catholic mission in Zambia was able to bless her community with a safe water well. Stellia said, “I no longer walk long distances to look for water because the borehole is in our village. We are accessing clean water, free from waterborne diseases because the water source is so clean!”
You have spent your Lenten journey focusing on Jesus and his people, and that demonstrates humility too. When you bless others with clean water, you are following Jesus’ example of putting others’ needs before your own!
Third Reading from the Sixth Sunday of Lent, Palm Sunday
Philippians 2:6-11 (NRSVCE)
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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death — even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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Learning Corner: Summarizing the Impact of Clean Water
- • Clean water reduces risk of various illnesses, since it is bacteria and parasite free.
- • It leads to improved hygiene in families and communities, resulting in better health.
- • For the first time, families have plenty of water for bathing and cooking.
- • Improved hydration leads to better health and improved focus in both children and adults.
- • Women and children don’t have to spend hours collecting water, freeing up time for education and economic empowerment.
- • Plentiful water brings peace between families and communities since conflict is often caused by lack of water.
- • Wells bring sustainability during dry seasons, giving families a sense of security no matter the weather.
- • Refreshing clean water is a daily reminder of the life and light of the Gospel!
Family Discussion
1. How can you focus on loving others like Jesus did?
2. Have you ever considered that Jesus came to earth to serve? How does it change the way you live?
3. How can you serve families in Africa waiting for water? How can you serve your family?
Family Lenten Reflection
Take some time to reflect on your Lenten journey as a family.
1. What did you learn over the last 40 days?
2. What surprised you the most?
3. How can you continue to help others after Lent is over?
Easter Prayer of Saint Hippolytus
Christ is Risen: The world below lies desolate.
Christ is Risen: The spirits of evil are fallen.
Christ is Risen: The angels of God are rejoicing.
Christ is Risen: The tombs of the dead are empty Christ is Risen indeed from the dead, the first of the sleepers, Glory and power are his forever and ever.
~ St. Hippolytus of Rome
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