ACC ~ Luke 11 v33 - 36

CHRIST IS THE LAMP AND HIS CHURCH THE LAMPSTAND

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: He says that a lamp is always elevated and put on a stand to be of use to those who see. Let us consider the inference that follows from this. Before the coming of our Savior, the father of darkness, Satan, made the world dark and blackened all things with an intellectual gloom. In this state of affairs, the Father gave us the Son to be a lamp to the world, to illumine us with divine light and to rescue us from satanic darkness. Since you blame the lamp because it is not hidden but on the contrary is being set high on a stand and gives its light to those who see, then blame Christ for not wishing to be concealed. On the contrary, he wishes to be seen by all, illuminating those in darkness and shedding on them the light of the true knowledge of God. He did not fulfill his miracles so much in order to be wondered at or to become famous. He did miracles so we might believe that although he is God by nature, yet he became man for our sakes, but without ceasing to be what he was. The holy church is like a lampstand, shining by the doctrine he proclaims. He gives light to the minds of all by filling them with divine knowledge. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 82. [1]

[1] CGSL 336**.

FAITH MUST NOT BE HIDDEN UNDER THE LAW

AMBROSE: The Word of God is our faith. The Word of God is the light, and faith is the lamp. “That was the true Light, that enlightens everyone that comes into this world.” [1] The lamp cannot shine unless it has received light from elsewhere. The lamp that is lit is the virtue and perception of our mind, so that the woman can find the coin that she lost. [2] No one finds faith beneath the law, for the law is within a bushel basket. Grace is outside. The law overshadows, but faith illumines. No one conceals his faith within the bushel basket of the law but brings it to the church in which shines the sevenfold grace of the Spirit. [3] … The church standing on the highest mountain of all, that is, on Christ, cannot be hidden in the darkness and ruins of this world. [4] Shining with the splendor of the eternal Sun, it enlightens us with the light of spiritual grace. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.98-99. [5]

[1] Jn 1:9.

[2] Lk 15:8.

[3] Is 11:2.

[4] Mt 5:14.

[5] EHG 272-73**.

THE MIND OF CHRIST THAT ILLUMINES THE WHOLE BODY

SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN: What else does he mean by “the eye” than simply the mind, which will never become simple unless it contemplates the simple light? The simple light is Christ. He who has his light shining in his mind is said to have the mind of Christ. [1] When your light is this simple, then the whole immaterial body of your soul will be full of light. If the mind is evil, that is, darkened and extinguished, then this body of yours will be full of darkness. …

We say, “See to it, brothers, that while we seem to be in God and think that we have communion with him [2] we should not be found excluded and separated from him, since we do not now see his light.” If that light had kindled our lamps, that is, our souls, it would shine brightly in us. Our God and Lord Jesus Christ said, “If your whole body is full of life, having no dark part, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” What other witness greater than this shall we adduce to make the matter clear to you? If you disbelieve the Master, how will you, tell me, believe your fellow servant? DISCOURSES 33.2. [3]

[1] 1 Cor 2:16.

[2] 1 Jn 1:6.

[3] SNTD 340-41*.