The Way Up Is Downનમૂનો

Kenōsis

Kenōsis is a Greek word that means a voluntary self-emptying, a renunciation of our will in favor of God’s. It’s a life characterized by self-giving.

Mary, Mother of God, displayed in her tender and trust-filled acceptance of God’s birth announcement delivered by the angel Gabriel. “‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’” Mary embraced poverty of self-will with a spirit of humility even when she had no idea what was happening and no guarantee that all would turn out well. Nevertheless, she risked everything for God. She gave herself over to God’s plans for her life instead of plotting her own.

Maybe you’re thinking, Could I be like Mary?

Could it be that Jesus learned the habit of voluntary self-emptying and renunciation of self-will by observing his mother? In relinquishing his own will for the sake of the Father’s will throughout his earthly life, Jesus exhibited the same posture of his mother: “I am the Lord’s servant. . . . May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Jesus’ trust in our Father’s goodwill was tested over and over again. Our trust will be, too. And yet, God calls us to the same kind of life posture Jesus had.

Jesus didn’t cling to his rights. He repeatedly gave them up. His posture was “Not my will, but yours be done.” Similarly, each day of our lives, God asks us to relinquish our rights in favor of his will—that our will and his will may become one. Choosing emptiness entails a deep trust in God as we take the descent into servanthood and humility. We give up the endeavor of propping ourselves up. This ladder of success is inverted. This is the path of Jesus, his disciples, and of Mary.

Prayer:

God, thank you for showing me how to choose trust in you through the life of your Son. Will you help me to trust in you? Show me how to give my life to you. Amen.