“He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) This verse comes from one of the most profound and poetic passages in the New Testament, often called the Christ Hymn in Philippians 2. St. Paul writes to the Christian community in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia, to encourage unity and selflessness among the believers. The early Church was already experiencing internal tensions, and Paul, imprisoned at the time, urges them to imitate Christ's humility as the foundation for their life together. The hymn speaks of the Incarnation, where Christ, though equal with God, “emptied himself” to become human, and not just human, but a servant who embraced the ultimate humiliation of death by crucifixion. This is not a sentimental humility but a radical surrender of privilege, comfort, and even life itself, in obedience to the Father.

For the past several weeks, we’ve been reflecting on this verse and asking what it means to live with our hearts fixed on heaven. In week one, we had the example of St. John Vianney- a priest whose simplicity and spiritual focus constantly pointed others to heaven. In week two, we celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe. Both reminded us that seeking what is above means trusting radically in God’s promises and living with Kingdom readiness. Last week, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, showed us how a heart on fire for heaven can purify earthly motives and draw us into deeper union with Christ.

“Seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” - Colossians 3:1 In the past two weeks, we've explored this verse through the lens of Scripture, the Church Fathers, and the Catechism. This week, as we celebrate the feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux on August 20, we turn to his life as a luminous example of someone who not only sought what is above but helped ignite that desire in others.

“Seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” - Colossians 3:1 he Church, in her wisdom, has long recognized this verse as a spiritual compass. It invites the faithful to lift their hearts and minds beyond earthly distractions and to live in constant awareness of our true homeland-heaven. St. Augustine, commenting on this passage, urged believers to desire with their whole heart the things of heaven: “Let your heart be there, and your life shall follow.” Church Fathers, such as St. Chrysostom and St. Ambrose, emphasized that Paul is not telling us to ignore our duties on earth, but to carry them out with a heart already oriented toward eternity.

“Seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” - Colossians 3:1 St. Paul wrote these words to the Christian community in Colossae, a small city in Asia Minor, during a time when new believers were wrestling with competing influences