The Holy Ghost appeared over the apostles in semblance of fire, and over Christ, at his baptism, in likeness of a dove. Why over Christ in semblance of a dove? Why over the followers of Christ in likeness of fire? In books it is read concerning that kind of birds that its nature is veryContinue reading “Aelfric on Pentecost”
Tag Archives: Pentecost
Bede on Pentecost
When the children of Israel had been freed from slavery in Egypt by the immolation of the paschal lamb, they went out through the desert so that they might come to the promised land, and they reached Mount Sinai. On the fiftieth day after the Passover, the Lord descended upon the mountain in fire, accompaniedContinue reading “Bede on Pentecost”
St. Gregory Nazianzen on Pentecost
The old confusion of tongues was praiseworthy when people who had a common language—even as some now venture to have—were building their tower in wickedness and impiety. By confusing their language, their unity of purpose was destroyed, as was the project they were undertaking. Thus the present miracle is all that much more praiseworthy. TheContinue reading “St. Gregory Nazianzen on Pentecost”
A Blazing Hearth and a Cool Fountain
How can you be both a blazing hearth and a cool fountain,A burning, yet a sweetness that cleanses us?How can you make humankind a god, darkness lightAnd draw new life from the pit of death?How does night become day? Can you overcome gloom?Take the flame to our hearts and change the depths of our being?HowContinue reading “A Blazing Hearth and a Cool Fountain”
Locus Communis 