Philippians Chapter 2, verses 5 – 8, is a very good passage of Scripture to reflect on during Lent: “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 to the point of death—even death on a cross.” (NRSV) 

We may not be called to sacrifice our life in service to God, as Christ did, but we are called to imitate Christ and live in obedience to God. How can we empty ourselves, so that we can be of the same mind that Christ was? With so many demands continually tugging at us, this is not easy. But I think Mary Oliver gives us an important clue in her poem entitled “Thirst,” which states, “Who knows what will finally happen or where I will be sent, yet already I have given a great many things away, expecting to be told to pack nothing, except the prayers which, with this thirst, I am slowly learning.” If we continually thirst for God and seek to follow the way of Christ, we can empty ourselves of the unnecessary burdens we carry and open ourselves more and more to him through prayer. Then we truly can cultivate the mind of Christ and follow his way of humble service. May we ask for God’s continual help to do so. 

- Stephanie Stover