A Daring Image of the Reason for the Incarnation

Msgr. Charles Pope described the daring theological imagery used by saints to explain the Incarnation and the nature of sin. He noted that St. Athanasius claimed God became human so that humans might become God, a statement that requires the understanding that people share in the divine nature through God's gift rather than becoming gods themselves.

Pope also addressed St. Thomas Aquinas's comparison of pride to a disease. Aquinas suggested that God permits lesser sins to humble people as a remedy for the more serious sin of pride, much like a physician allows a less dangerous illness to cure a worse one. Pope clarified that while God may permit sins, He does not cause them, and people should not indulge in sin to achieve humility.

Additionally, Pope mentioned that St. Maximus the Confessor used a pious image by comparing the humanity of Christ to bait used by a fisherman or hunter.