ACC ~ Revelation 21 v20e

MATTHEW HEALED THOSE BLIND OF HEART. ANDREW OF CAESAREA: By means of the topaz, which is deep red and like charcoal, and which, as they say, sends forth a milk-like juice that relieves the pain of those suffering from eye disease, it is possible that the soul of Matthew is indicated. For he was inflamed by divine zeal and was adorned by the pouring out of his own blood for the sake of Christ. Through the Gospel he also healed those who were blind in their hearts and gave milk to drink to those newly born in the faith. COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 21.20.

THE FIRE OF INNER LOVE AND THE BRIGHTNESS OF HEAVENLY LIGHT. BEDE: Since topaz is rare, it is very valuable. It comes in two colors, one of purest gold and the other glittering with an ethereal clarity. In color it has a pure rosy and reddish hue and is similar to chrysophrase in the brilliance of its color. For it especially shines when it is struck by the splendor of the sun, surpassing the most costly brilliance of all other stones and in its appearance giving uniquely the greatest delight to the eyes. Should one polish this stone, however, it becomes dull; yet should one leave it alone, it shines by virtue of its own natural properties. Kings themselves regard this stone as marvelous and consider nothing else among their riches as its equivalent. This most beautiful quality of its nature is most fittingly compared to the contemplative life. For saintly kings, whose hearts are in the hand of God, display this nature by the riches of good works and by the gems of all of the virtues. Especially guiding in it the contemplation and keen vision of their pure minds, they shall be more frequently struck by the splendor of the heavenly grace, the more fervently they behold the sweetness of the heavenly life with their soul. Therefore, saintly people possess a golden color by the fire of their inner love, while they have also a heavenly color from the contemplation of a supernal sweetness. Sometimes these persons become worthless through the turmoil of the present world, as though they were rubbed by a file. For at one and the same time a soul cannot easily be agitated by the difficulty of earthly toils and by cares and sorrows and, having taken delight in the joy of the heavenly life, also contemplate this with a tranquil mind. Rather, in its groaning such a soul rather protests, “My eye is troubled because of anger; I have grown old on account of my enemies.” This stone is said to be found on the island of Thebaide, which is named Topazion, and from that it also receives its name. We can understand this in two ways. First, these regions, that is, of Egypt, are especially filled with crowds of monks, and whoever dwells near to the Son of righteousness is truly colored by the brightness of the heavenly light. And since the perfection of the active life is designated by the eighth place, this stone, which represents the delight of the contemplative life, is fittingly put in ninth place. [Topaz is in ninth position either] because there are nine angelic orders mentioned in the holy Scriptures,whose life is imitated, or because [the contemplative life] is removed from the ten of perfect bliss, as I shall put it, by the single step of death. Longing for this highest joy, the prophet said, “Therefore, I have loved thy commandments more than gold and topaz.” That is to say, above the glory for every approved work and above every height of contemplative joy that is possible in this life, I have delighted in your commandments with the sweetest love. And the first and greatest of these commandments is that “you will love the Lord your God with the whole heart, the whole mind and with all your strength.” It is most certainly true that this cannot be perfected in its completeness except in the height of the celestial kingdom. EXPLANATION OF THE APOCALYPSE 21.20.

Rev