The Sun Is Closer... Or, We Are Turning Toward the Sun

Pic Credit: Christie Pollet

This morning as I walked my little doggy, I noted that even though it was a brisk 35 degrees, the sun feels closer. I went through the scientific facts behind that thought and realized that the sun remains (relatively) the same distance from earth and thus is not (much) closer. However, as I used to tell my 4th graders, The Reason for the Seasons is the Axis of the Earth. The tilt causes us to be closer and gives us the warmer weather that we so long for currently. (In a few short months we will probably be cursing the tilt!)

OK, time for a metaphor. (If I had a kids' show, I would have some sort of theme song here, kinda like in Blue's Clues during Mail Time.) In our relationship to God and others, we sometimes get cold. In the winter, the earth's axis is tilted away from the sun; in our lives, we turn from God and others. Just as the earth's axis is tilts toward the sun, we also need to adjust our prideful, selfish attitudes toward the ways of God. Until we actually bend down (in prayer to God and service to others), our relationships will not warm up.

Recently, I've been hit with the concept that the highest goal of a Christ-follower's character should be humility. It makes sense, right? Christ, in washing his disciples' feet gave us that clear example to follow.

Pope Francis certainly seems to demonstrate such a humble attitude. As reports came out about his caring acts toward the poor, hope swelled up within me for the 1.2 billion people who call themselves Catholic, not to mention the rest of us in the catholic (meaning universal) Body of Christ. It certainly caused me to pause and consider my attitudes/actions toward those whose lifestyle is different than mine. Would I give up personal safety to touch a small, seemingly insignificant person in a crowd, much less kiss his/her feet? How much am I willing to humble myself?

Jesus showed ultimate humility on the cross. Philippians chapter 2 paints a beautiful picture of this truth. As you celebrate Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday, I leave you with this beautiful passage on which to meditate:

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11, NLT)