Daily Retreat 11/04/08
2008 Nov 4 Tue: Charles Borromeo, bp M
Phil 2: 5-11/ Ps 21(22): 26b-27. 28-30ab. 30e. 31-32/ Lk 14: 15-24
From today’s readings: “God greatly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name.... I will praise You, Lord, in the assembly of Your people.... Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God....”
Kenosis
In spite of Paul’s repeated invitation to rejoice in the Lord, and in spite too of the way that he continually insists on an upbeat interpretation for all problems (even his own imprisonment!), we still shouldn’t dismiss this letter to the Philippians as simply a naive overly optimistic Pollyanna-type “pick-me-up” that’s meant to chase the doldrums away. Paul, remember, never shrinks from the cross of Christ. In Philippians chapter 2, we find the beautiful Canticle of Christ’s kenosis, His emptying Himself in taking on humanity and embracing His cross:
Though He was in the form of God...
It’s not known whether Paul wrote this hymn himself, or whether it had already been in use in the worship of those earliest Christians. In any event, these unforgettable verses of Philippians chapter two are a profound and poetic expression and celebration and meditation of our Savior’s mission.
Phil 2: 5-11/ Ps 21(22): 26b-27. 28-30ab. 30e. 31-32/ Lk 14: 15-24
From today’s readings: “God greatly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name.... I will praise You, Lord, in the assembly of Your people.... Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God....”
Kenosis
In spite of Paul’s repeated invitation to rejoice in the Lord, and in spite too of the way that he continually insists on an upbeat interpretation for all problems (even his own imprisonment!), we still shouldn’t dismiss this letter to the Philippians as simply a naive overly optimistic Pollyanna-type “pick-me-up” that’s meant to chase the doldrums away. Paul, remember, never shrinks from the cross of Christ. In Philippians chapter 2, we find the beautiful Canticle of Christ’s kenosis, His emptying Himself in taking on humanity and embracing His cross:
Though He was in the form of God...
It’s not known whether Paul wrote this hymn himself, or whether it had already been in use in the worship of those earliest Christians. In any event, these unforgettable verses of Philippians chapter two are a profound and poetic expression and celebration and meditation of our Savior’s mission.
posted by FrPitstick | 11/02/2008
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