Taking the form of a slave

“Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness…” (Phil 2: 5-7)

God’s love for us is full of action—“emptied himself”—“taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness.” Love assimilates and is as close as possible to its object. Our Lord is more concerned about our lives than about His; abandoning His privileges is natural for Him.

“I will look after my sheep, says the Lord, and I will appoint a shepherd to pasture them, and I, the Lord, will be their God.” (Entrance Antiphon)