There
is likewise precedence with regard to honour and distinction; that is,
the most distinctive precedes the distinctive. Thus the reality of
Christ, Who is the Word of God, undoubtedly precedes all created things
in essence, in attributes, and in distinction. Before appearing in human
form, the Word of God was in a state of utmost sanctity and glory,
abiding in perfect beauty and splendour in the height of its majesty.
When, through the wisdom of the Most High, that Word shed its light from
the pinnacle of glory upon the corporeal world, it was assaulted
through the flesh. Thus it fell into the hands of the Jews, became the
captive of the ignorant and the unjust, and was at last crucified. That
is why He called upon God, saying: Release Me from the bondage of the
corporeal realm and deliver Me from this cage, that I may ascend to the
heights of greatness and majesty, regain the former sanctity and glory
which I enjoyed before inhabiting the world of the flesh, rejoice in the
everlasting dominion, and wing My flight to My true abode, the
placeless realm of the unseen Kingdom.