Pope Benedict XVI continued his catechesis on prayer in the letters of Saint Paul
on Wednesday during his General Audience. Speaking about the Christological hymn in
the Letter to the Philippians, the Pope said “as Jesus’ exaltation took place through
his abasement, so in our lives and in our prayer we discover that, by lowering ourselves
in humility and love, we are lifted up to God.” Below is the text of Pope Benedict
XVI’s English language comments: As part of our continuing reflection on
prayer in the letters of Saint Paul, we now turn to the great “Christological hymn”
found in the Letter to the Philippians (2:6-11). Paul, a prisoner for the Gospel,
exhorts his hearers to that deep joy which is the fruit of our imitation of God’s
Son, who humbled himself and took on our human nature. Christ’s complete obedience
to the will of the Father, even to death on the cross, reverses the sin of Adam and
restores our original dignity. Therefore God highly exalted him and gave him the
name of “Lord”. At the name of Jesus, then, every knee must bend in heaven, on earth
and under the earth (vv. 9-11). As Jesus’ exaltation took place through his abasement,
so in our lives and in our prayer we discover that, by lowering ourselves in humility
and love, we are lifted up to God. May we more frequently bend the knee in praise
and worship of Christ’s divinity and his Lordship over all creation. In our prayer,
may we be ever more faithful witnesses of his sovereignty in our every thought, word
and deed. * * * * * I offer a warm welcome to the ecumenical delegation of
Christian leaders from Korea. I greet the pilgrimage groups from Nigeria, South Africa
and Swaziland. My greeting also goes to the many student groups present. Upon all
the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors, including those from England, Scotland,
Wales, Ireland, Norway, Australia, the Bahamas and the United States of America, I
invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace!