ACC ~ Mark 9 v2a

WHY SIX?

ORIGEN: In six days (the very number denoting perfect fulfillment) [1] the whole world, this perfect work of art, was made. [2] But there is One who transcends all the things of the world, all that belongs to the “six days.” Being eternal, this One beholds not only what is seen in time, but what is not seen and is eternal. If therefore any one of us wishes to be taken by Jesus, and led up by him into the high mountain, and be deemed worthy to witness his transfiguration apart, let him pass beyond the six days, because he no longer beholds the things which are seen, nor longer loves the world, nor the things in the world. [3] COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 12.36. [4]

[1] The interest of early Christian authors in the symbolism of numbers frequently strikes modern readers as strange and often forced. Yet, as A. Quacquarelli comments, there “is no early Christian author who does not, directly or indirectly, mention the symbolism of numbers.” Augustine, for example, contends that the mystical and metaphorical aspects of Scripture would remain a mystery for those unfamiliar with the language of numbers. This interest in numbers was an integral aspect of the culture of the times and is not limited to the Fathers. “The flexing of the fingers [in counting] produced images that attributed definite values to biblical numbers. A typical example is the 100 (martyrs), 60 (widows) and 30 (married people) of the parable of the sower. The digital representation of 100 (a circle formed by the right thumb and index finger) developed images that become a possession of the spirit, i.e., it was the crown of martyrdom. … The symbolism of numbers is a vital part of patristics and must be studied in order to understand a method of research based on the culture of the time. The theology of the Fathers had no wish to detach itself from the popular mind.” See EEC 605-6.

[2] Cf. Gen 1:31; Ex 20:11; 31:17.

[3] Cf. 1 Jn 2:15.

[4] TLG 2042.030, 12.36.20-40, cf. ANF 9:469. To behold the eternal redeemer transfigured, we must be led beyond the visible, earthly, created order.

THE RECKONING OF DAYS

AUGUSTINE: Leaving out of their calculation the day on which Jesus spoke these words, and the day on which he exhibited that memorable spectacle on the mount, they have regarded simply the intermediate days, and have used the expression, “after six days.” But Luke, reckoning in the extreme day at either end, that is to say, the first day and the last day, has made it “after eight days,” [1] in accordance with that mode of speech in which the part is put for the whole. HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 2.56. [2]

[1] Cf. Lk 9:28.

[2] Cetedoc 0273, 2.56.113.219.8; NPNF 1 6:155.