Propter Hoc!

(With a special nod to Fr. Richard Leliaert for the inspiration behind this.)

Propter Hoc!
As we approach the holiest and greatest of our days, we hear again from Paul's letter to the Philippians. (Philippians 2:6 - 11)
When we hear these very familiar words, we really need to pay a special attention to those two words: Propter Hoc!
Actually, we will not hear those exact words. After all, they are Latin and we do English nowadays. But that's OK because we will still hear those words in the vernacular. Propter Hoc comes across as Because of this.
Look carefully at what is being said here! Listen with your heart! To grasp that simple phrase is to enter the wonder and the lesson of these days.
As this ancient hymn begins and as Paul sets it out for us, we are reminded that Jesus, true God, was willing to embrace our humanity, humbling Himself, lowering Himself, becoming obedient! The One Whom all creation should obey becomes obedient! Unto death itself.
He becomes our Servant - as He said Himself, "I did not come to be served but to serve!"
He washes our feet.
He carries the burden of the cross of our sinfulness.
He pours out His all. "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit." 
He holds nothing back from us and from His Father.
He gives His life!
 Propter hoc!
Because of this!
And the hymn goes on telling us that God raises Jesus up, giving Him a Name above every other name. And at the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow - in the heavens, on the earth and under the earth. And every voice shall proclaim that Jesus is Lord!
Propter hoc!

Because of this!
Because Jesus lowers Himself, He is exalted. Because He humbles Himself, He achieves greatness.
How that goes against almost everything society would sell us on today!
Our times define greatness in terms of power - how strong are your armies? your weapons? 
Greatness comes from prestige, position, popularity.
Greatness today is defined by the stuff you have or can have.
How big is your bank account? Your IRA? You car? Your TV screen?
That's the world in which we live today.
That's greatness!
But truth be told, that is the greatness of Palm Sunday.
That Jerusalem entry was grand, to be sure. It had palms and crowds and hosannas.
And it all soon faded, didn't it?
But learn to be humble; strive to empty self in loving service of God and neighbor; seek to make one's sincere prayer, "Into Your hands, I commend my spirit." And mean it and live it!
Propter hoc!

Because of this!
In this true greatness is to be found.