Kenosis: Emptying Self and the Path of Christian Service

Father Kevin Cronin, a Franciscan priest, tells of his work among the poor and homeless of New York City. A young dedicated idealist, he soon discovered the hidden seed of true Christian "kenosis," the Greek term for emptying one's self, so that the grace and presence of God may come in and work its will. Following the example of Christ who "though He was in the form of God He did not deem equality to God something to be grasped at. Rather he emptied Himself (kenosis) and took the form of a slave..." Father Cronin discovered that the true basis of compassionate service to others lies in the surrender of one's will and intention to that of God.