Kenosis
“by His wounds we are healed” (Is 53:5)
The Biblical Theme of Self-Emptying: The concept of kenosis, derived from the Greek word “κένωσις,” meaning “emptying,”
holds a central place in Christian theology. It describes the act of Christ
relinquishing His divine privileges to fully embrace human nature. This
self-emptying is most vividly articulated in Philippians 2:6–8, which portrays
Jesus' humility and obedience unto death. Understanding kenosis offers profound
insights into the nature of Christ and provides a model for Christian conduct
today.
This passage emphasizes
that Jesus, though fully divine, chose not to exploit His divine status.
Instead, He took on the form of a servant, embracing human limitations and
ultimately submitting to a humiliating death. This self-renunciation was not an
abandonment of divinity but an addition of humanity, allowing Him to fully
experience human suffering and mortality.
Theological
Interpretations: Throughout church history,
theologians have grappled with the implications of kenosis. Athanasius
articulated, “He became what we are that we might become what He is,”
suggesting that Christ's self-emptying enables human participation in the
divine nature. Cyril of Alexandria echoed this, stating, “He assumed humanity
that we might become like God,” emphasizing the transformative purpose of the
Incarnation. In contemporary theology, Lucien Richard posits that God's
nature is fundamentally kenotic, characterized by self-limitation and
self-giving love. This perspective challenges believers to view God's
interactions with the world as acts of humble engagement rather than
domineering control.
The Old
Testament parallels to key sections of Philippians 2:5–11:
1. Christ’s Pre-existence and Divine Status
“Though he was in
the form of God...” (Phil 2:6)
“Let us make man
in our image...” (Gen 1:26)
+ hints at divine plurality; some early Christian interpreters saw Christ as participating
in creation.
2. Humility and Self-Emptying
“He emptied himself...
taking the form of a servant..." (Phil 2:7)
“He had no form or
majesty... He was despised and rejected by men...” (Is 53:2–3)
“I am a worm and
not a man, scorned by mankind...” (Ps
22:6–7)
3. Obedient Suffering and Death
“...becoming obedient to
the point of death...” (Phil 2:8)
“He was pierced for our transgressions...
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter...” (Is 53:5, 7)
“In sacrifice and offering
you have not delighted... I delight to do your will, O my God...” (Ps 40:6–8)
4. Exaltation and Divine
Reward
“Therefore, God has highly
exalted him...” (Phil 2:9)
“Behold, my servant shall
act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up...” (Is 52:13)
A.
Jesus’ Kenosis
Washing the Disciples' Feet (Jn 13:3-5): On the night
of His betrayal, Jesus performed the task of a servant by washing His
disciples' feet. This act exemplifies His teaching
that true greatness comes
through humble service.
Temptation in the
Wilderness (Mt 4:1-11): Jesus resisted using His divine power for
personal gain, choosing instead to rely on God's provision, showcasing His
commitment to self-emptying.
The Crucifixion (Mk 15:25-39): Jesus' willingness to endure the cross, despite possessing
the power to avoid such suffering, demonstrates the ultimate self-emptying. His
sacrifice was the epitome of placing humanity's needs above His own.
B.
Kenosis – in
the footsteps of Jesus in the Bible
1. The Apostle Paul’s transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle
illustrates kenosis. He relinquished his former status and privileges to serve
Christ and spread the Gospel. In Phil 3:7-8, Paul reflects: "But
whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is
more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing
Christ Jesus my Lord..." Paul's self-emptying is evident in his
willingness to endure hardships, including imprisonment and persecution, for
the benefit of others and the advancement of God's kingdom.
2. Epaphroditus a member of the Philippian
church, demonstrated kenosis through his selfless service to Paul. He risked
his life to deliver aid to Paul and assist him during his imprisonment. Paul
commends Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:29-30:
"So then, welcome him
in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died
for the work of Christ..."
Epaphroditus's actions
exemplify putting others' needs above personal safety, embodying the essence of
self-emptying service.
3. John the Baptist's ministry was marked by his commitment to preparing the way for Jesus,
even at the expense of his own prominence. He recognized the necessity of
diminishing his own role to exalt Christ, stating in Jn 3:30: "He must
become greater; I must become less." John's attitude reflects a kenotic
spirit, prioritizing the mission of Christ over personal recognition. Applying
Kenosis in Contemporary Christian Life.
C.
Kenosis: Figures
in the Catholic Church History:
1.
Saint Francis of Assisi born into wealth, Saint Francis renounced his inheritance to live a life
of poverty and service. He embraced a humble existence, dedicating himself to
aiding the poor and sick, embodying the self-emptying nature of Christ. Born into wealth, Saint Francis renounced his
inheritance to live a life of poverty and service. He embraced a humble
existence, dedicating himself to aiding the poor and sick, embodying the
self-emptying nature of Christ. In his early twenties, Francis underwent a
spiritual transformation that led him to reject his affluent lifestyle. This
culminated in a dramatic scene before the Bishop of Assisi. Confrontation with His Father: Francis's
father, dismayed by his son's charitable acts that depleted the family's
wealth, sought legal action to dissuade him.
During the proceedings in the court, Francis declared his decision to
forsake his inheritance and paternal ties.
Symbolic Act: In a
profound gesture, Francis removed his garments, returning them to his father,
signifying the relinquishment of material and familial bonds. The Bishop, moved
by this act, covered Francis with his own cloak.
2.
Chaplain Emil Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain during the Korean War, displayed remarkable
selflessness and humility. Captured and held as a prisoner of war, he
ministered to fellow prisoners, provided comfort, and even stole food to help
nourish them, despite his own deteriorating health. Kapaun's actions
exemplified the self-emptying love and service central to the concept of
kenosis.
3.
Frances Hesselbein: Frances Hesselbein, a transformational leader and recipient of the
Presidential Medal of Freedom, dedicated her life to serving others. As the
former CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA, she emphasized values-based
leadership and inclusivity. Her commitment to selfless service and empowering
others reflects the principles of kenotic leadership.
4.
Mother Teresa: Founder of the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa devoted her life to
serving the destitute and dying in Kolkata, India. Her unwavering commitment to
the marginalized showcased a profound kenotic spirit, as she prioritized the
well-being of others above her own comfort. After arriving in India, Mother Teresa began
her novitiate in Darjeeling, where she observed the dire poverty and suffering
in the streets of Calcutta. Moved by compassion, she felt a deep calling to
leave the relative comfort of the convent to live among and serve the poorest
of the poor. This decision marked a significant act of kenosis, as she
relinquished her own comfort and security to fully immerse herself in the lives
of those she served. Mother Teresa
adopted a lifestyle mirroring the destitution of those she ministered to. She
wore a simple white sari with a blue border, the attire of the poor in India,
symbolizing her solidarity with them. By choosing to live among the impoverished,
she embodied the essence of kenosis, emptying herself of personal desires and
comforts to become a servant to others.
5.
St. Maximilian Kolbe's Act
of Self-Emptying was at (July 194), at the Auschwitz
concentration camp, a prisoner escaped, prompting the Nazi guards to select ten
men for execution by starvation as a deterrent. Among those chosen was
Franciszek Gajowniczek, who lamented his impending death, expressing concern
for his wife and children. Moved by compassion, Fr. Kolbe volunteered to take
Gajowniczek's place, offering his own life so that another might live. This
ultimate act of self-sacrifice mirrors the essence of kenosis, as described in
Phi 2:7, where Jesus "emptied himself, by taking the form of a
servant." St. Maximilian Kolbe's
life serves as a profound example for Christians today, illustrating that true
discipleship involves a willingness to set aside personal desires and even
one's life for the sake of others. His embodiment of kenosis challenges
believers to practice humility, selflessness, and sacrificial love in their
daily lives, following the model of Christ.
6.
St John Paul II, Pope: Throughout his papacy, he emphasized themes of forgiveness,
reconciliation, and human dignity. His efforts to bridge divides between
different faiths and cultures reflected a self-emptying approach to leadership,
seeking unity and understanding over authority. On May 13, 1981, in St.
Peter’s Square, Pope John Paul II was greeting a large crowd when Mehmet Ali
Ağca, a Turkish gunman, fired four shots at him from close range. Just two
years later, on December 27, 1983, Pope John Paul II did something remarkable:
He visited Mehmet Ali Ağca in prison in Rome. The Pope sat with him in his
cell, held his hand, and spoke to him privately for about 20 minutes.
Although the details of their conversation remain undisclosed, witnesses
reporte that John Paul II forgave him
unconditionally. After this, the Pope continued to advocate for Ağca’s pardon,
which led to his release in 2000 after spending nearly 19 years in prison. Two
bullets struck the Pope in the abdomen, while the others injured his arm and
hand. Despite severe injuries and massive blood loss, the Pope miraculously
survived after emergency surgery.
D. Kenosis: In our History
1. President Jimmy Carter after his presidency,
dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, focusing on fighting disease,
promoting democracy, and negotiating peace. His approach was characterized by
humility and a commitment to serving others without seeking recognition. For
instance, during his 1995 visit to Rwanda amidst the aftermath of the genocide,
Carter engaged directly with local communities and leaders, demonstrating
empathy and a servant-leader mentality. His life's work reflects a kenotic
leadership style, prioritizing the needs of others over personal acclaim. After
his presidency, Carter chose to live modestly in a two-bedroom house he built
in 1961, valued at less than the median home price in Georgia. This decision to
forgo the wealth and prestige often associated with former presidents
highlights his commitment to humility and simplicity. Carter's dedication to
selfless service is further demonstrated by his extensive work with Habitat for
Humanity. He actively participated in building homes for those in need,
embodying the servant leadership that kenosis entails. Additionally, his
post-presidential humanitarian efforts through the Carter Center focused on
promoting human rights and alleviating suffering worldwide, reflecting a life
poured out in service to others. These actions illustrate Carter's embodiment
of kenosis, as he consistently prioritized the needs of others over personal
gain, mirroring the self-emptying nature of Christ's ministry.
2. Mahatma Gandhi’s life was a testament to selfless service and
humility. He renounced material possessions and led a life dedicated to the
principles of nonviolence and truth. Gandhi's leadership in India's struggle
for independence was marked by his willingness to suffer alongside his people,
embodying the essence of kenosis by prioritizing the collective good over
personal comfort. His philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) emphasized
self-sacrifice and moral integrity, reflecting the self-emptying nature of
Christ's own ministry.
E.
Kenosis – In
my Christian Life
Embrace Humility: Prioritize the needs of others and approach leadership as an opportunity to serve rather than to exert power.
Commit to Service: Engage in acts that benefit the marginalized and underserved, reflecting
the selfless love demonstrated by Christ.
Seek Reconciliation: Foster understanding and unity among diverse groups, valuing collective
well-being over personal or institutional gain.
Prioritize Others' Needs: Like Epaphroditus, seek opportunities to serve and support others, even
when it requires personal sacrifice.
Let Go of Personal
Ambitions: Emulate Paul's willingness to forsake personal gains
for the sake of Christ, focusing on spiritual growth and communal well-being.
Elevate Christ Above Self: Follow John the Baptist's example by directing attention and glory to
Christ rather than seeking personal acclaim.
By integrating these
principles, we can cultivate a lifestyle that mirrors the self-emptying love
and humility demonstrated by Christ and His followers.
Humility in Relationships: Prioritize others' needs and well-being, reflecting Jesus'
servant- hearted approach.
Sacrificial Service: Engage in acts of service without seeking recognition, embodying Christ's
example of serving others selflessly. Mark 10:45 highlights that Jesus came to
serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
Forgiveness: Extend grace and forgive others, mirroring the forgiveness we receive
through Christ's sacrifice. Colossians 3:13 urges believers to forgive as the
Lord forgave them.
Empathy: Share in others' joys and sorrows, demonstrating Christ-like compassion.
Romans 12:15 calls believers to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with
those who mourn.
By integrating these
principles into daily life, Christians can reflect the self-emptying love of
Christ, fostering deeper relationships and a more profound spiritual journey.
Humility and Servanthood: Christ's example calls believers to adopt a posture of humility prioritizing the needs of others above personal ambitions. This manifests in
acts of service within communities, fostering environments where selflessness
prevails.
Sacrificial Love: Kenosis invites Christians to practice sacrificial love, willingly
enduring personal losses for the benefit of others. This could involve
dedicating time, resources, or energy to support those in need, reflecting
Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
Ego Renunciation: Embracing kenosis entails relinquishing ego-driven desires and recognizing that true fulfillment is found in self-giving rather than
self-aggrandizement. This counters contemporary cultural narratives that often
prioritize individualism over communal well-being.
Transformational Surrender: Allowing the concept of kenosis to permeate one's life encourages a
surrender to God's will, fostering spiritual growth and alignment with divine
purposes.
In essence, kenosis serves
as a foundational model for Christian behavior, urging believers to embody the
self-emptying love demonstrated by Christ. By internalizing this principle, Christians can navigate contemporary challenges with a spirit of humility,
service, and unconditional love, thereby authentically reflecting the character
of Jesus in today's world.
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no
compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget
you! (Is 49:15)
