In the cycle of Scripture readings called the Revised Common Lectionary, the epistle reading for this coming Sunday is Philippians 2: 5-11. This familiar passage starts with the words, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” It goes on to describe the self-sacrificial redemptive love that Jesus embodied through humble service. As I read the passage this week in the ongoing grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, I immediately thought about the front line first responders and other medical professionals who are present day embodiments of this same love. On last night’s edition of the news magazine show 60 minutes, there was a segment that focused on what medical professionals are facing on the front lines of the pandemic in New York city. I cannot do justice to this through my words, so I encourage you to watch the video posted below. Millions of Christians around the world are observing the season of Lent in which we reflect again on the self-giving love of Jesus through his suffering, death, and resurrection. Lent has a deeper meaning for me this year as we find ourselves in a nation and world that is experiencing a level of shared suffering unlike any we have known before. This causes many people to ask the legitimate question, Where is God? I believe that God is present now where God is present at all times of suffering – with us. While this is a statement of faith, it is also an affirmation of the witness of all those who are truly sharing the mind and love of Christ through acts of self-giving love. Medical professionals are one witness of this love, and each of us can add our own witness whether by providing essential services or simply staying at home to minimize the spread of the virus. How are we called to share the mind of Christ today?
