Christ Bound and Crowned with Thorns
Andrea Solario, 1520

Dear friends,

Today, I would like to share with you some insights on Philippians 2:5-11. This passage speaks of the humility and exaltation of Jesus Christ, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant.

The message of this passage is one of selflessness and compassion. The path to enlightenment and liberation lies in abandoning our self-centeredness and developing a deep concern for the welfare of others. In other words, we must cultivate the mind of a bodhisattva, someone who seeks to attain enlightenment not only for their own benefit but for the benefit of all sentient beings.

The humility and selflessness of Jesus Christ serve as an example for us to follow. By relinquishing his status and power, he demonstrated that true greatness lies not in domination or control but in service and compassion. In the same way, we can cultivate humility by recognizing our interconnectedness with all beings and striving to alleviate their suffering.

Furthermore, the exaltation of Jesus Christ reminds us that our actions have far-reaching consequences. Just as his selflessness led to his eventual exaltation, our compassionate actions have the power to transform the world around us. By embodying the qualities of love, kindness, and compassion, we can bring about a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Philippians 2:5-11 offers a powerful message of selflessness, compassion, and transformation. It calls us to embrace the path of humility and service and to recognize that our actions have the power to uplift and transform the world around us. May we all strive to embody these qualities in our daily lives and work towards a more compassionate and just world.