St. Paul contrasted the first Adam with Christ as the “new Adam.” The first Adam grasped after that apple. He wanted what he wanted and was determined to satisfy himself. Jesus did not look on even his “equality with God” as “something to be grasped.” Instead of fulfilling his own desires he “emptied himself.” We have in stark form two ways of being human. The way of society informs us that you must “grab for all the gusto you can” if you want to be happy. The way of Jesus is to empty oneself in love and service as the only life worth living. To test which way is best ask parents whether they regret the sacrifices that they make on behalf of their children.
