Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we journey back in time to the early centuries of our Church, to glean wisdom from one of the most profound Christian thinkers, Origen of Alexandria. Like us, Origen sought to understand God’s Word in its fullness. He proposed an approach that likens Scripture to the human constitution of body, soul, and spirit.
Let us begin with the body – the physical and tangible entity. Just as our bodies are the visible manifestations of our existence, so is the literal or historical interpretation the visible layer of the Scriptures. It is what we first encounter when we read the Bible, and it forms the basis of our understanding. Yet, it is just the beginning.
The soul, which gives life to the body, corresponds to the moral interpretation of Scripture. As our soul animates our physical form, the moral interpretation breathes life into the literal text. It helps us navigate our ethical paths and guides our behavior. Through it, we learn life lessons from the Scriptures, instructing us on how to live virtuously.
Moving deeper, we arrive at the spirit – the divine spark within us that connects us to God. In Scripture, this is the mystical or spiritual interpretation. This level transcends the literal and moral, revealing divine truths and heavenly wisdom. It is here that we come to grasp the profound mysteries of our faith.
Origen invites us to read Scripture at all these levels. A mere literal interpretation can be like admiring the beauty of a garden from a distance. But when we dig deeper, we discover the roots that feed and connect the plants, and the vast ecosystem teeming with life beneath the surface.
However, navigating these depths requires spiritual discernment. Not all treasures are lying on the surface; some are buried deep and require effort to uncover. Just as the pearl of great value is found by the one who seeks diligently, so too is spiritual interpretation revealed to those prepared through prayer, ascetic practices, and the cultivation of virtues.
What does this mean for us, the Church? Origen’s view challenges us to explore the Scriptures more deeply, to seek the moral lessons and spiritual truths concealed within. As a community, let’s encourage each other to look beyond the literal, to contemplate the ethical implications, and to seek the spiritual insights contained within the text.
Nevertheless, we must be aware of the potential pitfalls. While Origen’s approach opens up the riches of Scripture, it also requires careful navigation to avoid excessive allegorizing or subjective interpretations. A balanced approach, one that values each level of interpretation, is thus crucial.
So, let us take up this challenge. Let us approach the Word of God with humility, openness, and prayerful hearts. Let us seek not just knowledge but wisdom, not just information but transformation.
Remember, understanding Scripture is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Just as we grow and evolve in our spiritual lives, our understanding of Scripture deepens and matures. Approach this journey with patience, persistence, and a spirit of continual learning.
As we embark on this journey, let us remember that we are not alone. We are accompanied by the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth. We are also in this journey together as the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Let us therefore encourage one another, share with one another, and learn from one another, as we seek to understand God’s Word more fully.
May God bless us in this journey, and may His Word continue to guide, challenge, and transform us. Amen.
