Self-Emptying Humility

Homily for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The great hymn in chapter two in St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians calls us to the mind of Christ—a way of living marked by humility, self‑emptying love, and solidarity with all creation. In this Season of Creation, that same hymn becomes a summons to conversion: to move from words to deeds, from good intentions to ecological responsibility, from saying “yes” with our lips to saying “yes” with our lives.

Scholars widely agree that Philippians 2:6–11 preserves one of the earliest Christian hymns. St. Paul may have been the author of the hymn, although this is highly unlikely. The hymn was known as the “Carmen Christi” and was widely used at Eucharistic celebrations. Before the Gospels were written, before the Church had formal creeds, the first believers sang this proclamation of who Jesus is. It proclaims that Jesus did not lose his divinity when he accepted humanity. He poured God’s divine love into the human form. He took on the role of a servant, choosing to be one with the poor and lowly people of his day and eschewing the honorariums treasured by the leaders of Judaism. This life style resulted in his exaltation. The hymn goes on to say that his name is above every other name. Because Christ embraced humility, God raised him up, showing that true greatness is found in self‑giving love. This hymn is not abstract theology. It is a pattern for Christian living. It explains why the Gospels all proclaim that the last shall be first; Jesus became the exemplar of this Gospel virtue.

The Season of Creation continues to invite us to examine how our choices affect the earth and the vulnerable. Today’s readings sharpen that call. Ezekiel reminds us that change is possible; the one who turns from wrongdoing “shall surely live.” The Psalm asks God to “teach me your paths,” a prayer for ecological wisdom. Matthew’s parable contrasts two sons: one who says “yes” but does nothing, and one who initially refuses but ultimately acts. The question becomes unavoidable: Which son are we when it comes to caring for creation?

Do we say “yes” to environmental responsibility but continue living as if nothing must change? Or do we allow God’s grace to move us from reluctance to genuine action? Paul urges the Philippians—and us—to adopt the mind of Christ: Humility — recognizing our place within creation, not above it. Solidarity — seeing the earth and the poor as companions, not resources. And self‑emptying — letting go of habits that harm the planet and embracing simpler, more intentional living. Christ’s kenosis, a Greek word, becomes a model for ecological conversion: We empty ourselves of wastefulness, indifference, and entitlement so that creation may flourish.

Paul’s hymn is meant to be imitated. Choose to live with a mind like that of Christ who emptied himself for our sake. Choose the simple lifestyle of Christ by reducing out consumption of the world’s resources. Our ancestors, our mothers and fathers, many of whom lived through the Great Depression of the last century, taught us not waste anything. Practice reverence for God’s creative genius displayed in nature and look for what St. Bonaventure called vestiges or footprints of God in nature. These are the small acts of kenosis or self-emptying – emptying ourselves so that life may thrive.

Jesus’ parable of the two sons confronts us gently but firmly. The Season of Creation is not about slogans or sentiment. It is about conversion. The son who ultimately does the Father’s will is the one who acts. So today, Paul’s hymn becomes our prayer: “Lord, give us the mind of Christ—that we may empty ourselves of all that harms your creation and be exalted with all creatures in the harmony of your Kingdom.”