Paul's Hymn to the Lord

- Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

St. Paul includes an early Christian hymn in his Letter to the Philippians which shows exactly how Jesus countered the sin of Adam by his Incarnation, Death and Resurrection.

In Genesis, we read that Adam and Eve are tempted by the servant to "be like God."  St. Paul writes that Jesus did not deem equality with God something to be grasped.

In Genesis, we learn that Adam and Eve sin against God's commandment by disobedience.  Jesus counters that sin by his obedience to the will of God.

In Genesis, we read that Adam and Eve wanted to gain immortality.  Jesus embraces death, even death on a cross.

In Genesis, we read that Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden.  Jesus is exalted because of his willingness to die.

This is where St. Paul then breaks into his rapturous words exhorting us that every knee must bend and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.  That which Adam tried to gain through sin, Christ is granted through his obedience.  For those of us who accept Jesus as Lord, we must, like Jesus, embrace the cross and die to sin.  Then we too will be exalted with the Lord.