Findings from Philippians

We are about halfway through our study of Philippians. Here are some of the remarks that the men have contributed:

1. How does it make God the Father’s plan more powerful that Jesus assumed the condition of a slave?
   1. Len: The Father shows us a clear example.
   2. Bob: Others bargain with God the Father, but Jesus did not bargain. Moses bargained.
   3. Ken: Abraham bargained for Sodom and Gomorrah.
   4. Dave: Peter tried to bargain at the rate of 70 × 7
   5. Bob: No bargaining shows no doubt in Jesus -- unconditional.
   6. Len: Forming the Church is better this way without grumbling and factions.
2. In how many instances in the gospels did Jesus live out this humbling, submitting himself in some way, for the love of God the Father?
   1. Len: Jesus cooked them a meal after the resurrection.
   2. Al: In the temple, at age 12, a humble, ordinary family kerfuffle.
   3. Len: After the transfiguration, Jesus told the Twelve not to blab about it.
   4. Dave: Jesus kept his mouth shut for 30 years.
   5. Len: In the synagogue in Nazareth, they were up in arms because of Jesus' humble family.
   The incarnation and human birth of the Messiah in the first place was an act of humility.
3. Is there any humility in the Eucharist?
   1. Bob: Without humility, there can be no love.
   2. Len: Jesus made his "life form" to take on the appearance of bread and wine.
   3. Bob: The Eucharist is humility; you have to humble yourself, for instance, by going to confession.
   4. Dave: Receiving communion is an act of humility.
   5. Ken: Jesus humbled himself to provide the Eucharist: the humility of a true king.
   6. Dave: Jesus did it for love of us.
   7. Dave: The priest is an instrument of humility when he recites the prayers.
   The Church teaches us that the efficacy of the sacrament of the altar comes not from the priest but from Jesus himself, and this is true for all of the sacraments:

   CCC 1073: The liturgy is also a participation in Christ's own prayer addressed to the Father in the Holy Spirit.

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