ACC ~ Luke 12 v35

THE TRUE MEANING OF LOINS GIRDED AND LAMPS BURNING

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The girding of our loins signifies the readiness of the mind to work hard in every thing praiseworthy. Those who apply themselves to bodily labors and are engaged in strenuous toil have their loins girded. The lamp apparently represents the wakefulness of the mind and intellectual cheerfulness. We say that the human mind is awake when it repels any tendency to slumber off into that carelessness that often is the means of bringing it into subjection to every kind of wickedness. When sunk in stupor, the heavenly light within the mind is liable to be endangered, or even already is in danger from a violent and impetuous blast of wind. Christ commands us to be awake. To this, his disciple also arouses us by saying, “Be awake. Be watchful.” [1] Further on, the very wise Paul also says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall give you light.” [2] COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 92. [3]

[1] 1 Pet 5:8.

[2] Eph 5:14.

[3] CGSL 370**.

CONTINENCE AND GOOD WORKS

AUGUSTINE: What does it mean to gird the loins? It is to restrain lustful appetites. This is about self-control. To have lamps burning is to shine and glow with good works. This is about justice. He was not silent here as to why we should do these things, adding to his statement, “And you yourselves should be like men waiting for their master’s return from the wedding.” When he comes, he will repay us who have restrained ourselves from yielding to what lust has demanded and who have done what love has commanded, that we might reign in his perfect and everlasting peace, free from the struggle of evil and enjoying the supreme delight of good. ON CONTINENCE 7. [1]

[1] FC 16:208-9**.

PREPARATION FOR THE PAROUSIA

DIDACHE: “Watch” over your life. Do not let “your lamps” go out, and do not keep “your loins unbelted,” but “be ready,” for “you do not know the hour when our Lord is coming.” Meet together frequently in your search for what is good for your souls, since “a lifetime of faith will be of no advantage” [1] to you unless you prove to be fully responsive to the very end. In the final days, many false prophets and seducers will appear. Sheep will turn into wolves, and love into hatred. With the increase of iniquity, people will hate, persecute and betray each other. Then the world deceiver will appear in the guise of God’s Son. DIDACHE 16.1-4. [2]

[1] Epistle of Barnabas 4:9.

[2] LCC 1:178-79**.