– Jesus, the ‘Only Begotten of the Father-

From Padre Pio writtings:

I want you to meditate every day on the humiliations of the Son of God  and the glory to which they led … Of His own free will and to the fullest extent this divine Word was pleased to abase Himself to our level, by hiding His divine nature beneath the veil of humen flesh. In this way, says St. Paul, the Word of God humbled Himself to the point of emptying Himself, as it were: “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (Phil 2:7). Yes … He was pleased to hide His divine nature so fully as to take on the likeness of man in everything, even exposing Himself to hunger, thirst and weariness and, to use the very words of the apostle of the nations: “in every respect tempted as we are, yet without sinning” (Heb 4:15)

From Padre Pio writtings:

“He humbled Himself, says St. Paul, and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). As He was the Only Begotten Son of the Father He was not induced to obey by any fear of punishment. Neither did He obey for the sake of reward, as He Himself was God and equal in all things to the Father. His obedience, then, in view of His exalted position, of the arduousness of what was commanded and His alacrity in complying with the heavenly Father’s will, was highly pleasing to eternal Father, who exalted Him and “bestowed on Him the name – says the apostle – which is above every name”. (Phil 2:9)

From Padre Pio writtings:

The eternal Father decreed that all creatures should be subject to Him: “that at name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth”  (Phil 2:10). This is what the apostle tells us and this is true. Jesus is adored in heaven. At this divine name, moved by gratitude and love, the blessed in heaven never cease to repeat what St. John the Evangelist beheld in a vision: “They sang a new song, he says, saying worthy are Thou, o Lord, to take the scroll and to open its seals, for Thou wast slain and by the blood didst ransom men for God” (Rev 5:9)

From Padre Pio writtings:

Through Jesus’ obedience the heavenly Father willed that all creatures should confess and believe in this most holy name: “Every tongue (should) confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:11). Is not this verified, moreover, and happening at present when the cross is everywhere adored? On the Judgment Day the damned and the devils will be obliged to participate in this homage when they behold the immense glory of Jesus and experience his infinite power. If we are imitators of Jesus Christ and face up to all life’s battles, we too will share in His victories. In conclusion, with St. John Chrysostom, I say, let us firmly believe that our divine Redeemer is adorned with great glory, but let us continue to live for His glory imitating His example and following out His will. On the other hand, our faith will avail us nothing if our actions do not bear it out.

Letters II, p. 236/238

Edited by Melchiorre of Pobladura and Alessandro of Ripabottoni

English Version, edited by Father Gerardo Di FLumeri O.F.M.Cap., Third Edition 2002


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