St. Paul speaks clearly about who should be first: "Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important thn yourselves, each looking our not for his own interests, but for those of others." (Phil 2:4). He then quotes the beautiful hymn describing the total abasement Jesus chose and offers it to us as a model: the emptying of self, obediently accepting death...death on a cross. (cf. Phil 2:6-11) Quite a contrast to our current "ME FIRST" attitude that permeates our society. Yes, we need to take care of self, but ironically the best way is to put others first and discover that indeed our "self" finds a happiness and glow it could not experience otherwise.
St. Therese of Lisieux, who is usually celebrated on October 1st, spent her short life learning to empty herself for the sake of others. Her cloistered life prevented her from being the missionary she longed to be, but instead of wallowing in disappointment and frustration, she PRAYED for missionaries, wrote encouraging letters to them and offered up little inconveniences and annoyances for them. She prayed for the conversion of criminals and received a sign that her prayers were answered when one of them kissed the crucifix before his execution. Her self-emptying brought her to sainthood; may she help us find that same path.
Bro .Rene
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