annotate john/english/SSJohn.html @ 93:2f7833be883c

thru 119, maybe
author ht
date Sat, 31 May 2014 14:36:13 +0000
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1 <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN"
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2 "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">
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3 <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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4 <head>
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5 <meta name="generator" content=
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6 "HTML Tidy for Cygwin (vers 25 March 2009), see www.w3.org" />
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7 <title>Thomas Aquinas: Commentary on the Gospel of John</title>
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9 <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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10 //<![CDATA[
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11 var gAgent = navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase()
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12 var gWindows = ( (gAgent.indexOf( "win" ) != -1 ) || ( gAgent.indexOf( "16bit" ) != -1 ) )
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13 var gIE = ( gAgent.indexOf( "msie" ) != -1 )
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14 var bInlineFloats = ( gWindows && gIE && ( parseInt( navigator.appVersion ) >= 4 ) )
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15 var floatwnd = 0
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17 var WPFootnote1 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>&#160;For a fuller documentation of these facts, see James A. Weisheipl, <i>Friar Thomas d&#8217;Aquino: His Life, Thought and\
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18 Works <\/i>(Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1974), pp. 246-47, 372, and so forth. See also J. A. Weisheipl. &#8220;The\
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19 Johannine Commentary of Friar Thomas,&#8221; <i>Church History, <\/i>45 (1976), 185-195.<\/p>\
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20 <\/span>'
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22 var WPFootnote2 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p><i>Ibid., <\/i>pp. 145-46.<\/p>\
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23 <\/span>'
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25 var WPFootnote3 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>The full text of this allocution is given in <i>AAS<\/i> 50 (1958), 150-53.<\/p>\
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26 <\/span>'
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28 var WPFootnote4 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Thomas, <i>Summa theologiae<\/i>, I, q.1, a.8, ad 2.<\/p>\
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29 <\/span>'
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31 var WPFootnote5 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p><i>AAS<\/i> 35 (1943), 297-325; trans. in <i>The Catholic Mind <\/i>42<i> <\/i>(1944), 257-83.<\/p>\
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32 <\/span>'
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34 var WPFootnote6 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Thomas, <i>Super epistolam ad Hebraeos lectura<\/i>, cap.1, lect. 4, n. 64. <i>Super Epistolas S. Pauli Lectura<\/i>, ed. R.\
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35 Cai (Turin: Marietti, 1953), I, 350a.<\/p>\
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36 <\/span>'
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38 var WPFootnote7 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p><i>Divino afflante Spiritu, <\/i>n.63; trans. loc. <i>cit., <\/i>p. 280.<\/p>\
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39 <\/span>'
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41 var WPFootnote8 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Thomas, <i>Sum. theol., <\/i>I, q. 1, a. 10.<\/p>\
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42 <\/span>'
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44 var WPFootnote9 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p><i>Ibid.<\/i><\/p>\
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45 <\/span>'
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46
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47 var WPFootnote10 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>See J. A. Weisheipl, &#8220;The Meaning of <i>Sacra Doctrina <\/i>in <i>Summa theologiae <\/i>I, q. 1,&#8221; <i>The Thomist, <\/i>38 (1974), 49-80.<\/p>\
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48 <\/span>'
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49
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50 var WPFootnote11 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Aristotle, <i>Metaphysics <\/i>I, 2, 982a, l8-19.<\/p>\
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51 <\/span>'
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53 var WPFootnote12 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>See <i>Friar Thomas dAquino<\/i>, pp, 392-93.<\/p>\
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54 <\/span>'
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55
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56 var WPFootnote13 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Only the second part of this work has been translated into English&#8212;J. B. Collins, <i>Catechetical Instructions of St.\
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57 Thomas <\/i>(New York: Wagner 1939; repr. 1953).<\/p>\
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58 <\/span>'
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59
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60 var WPFootnote14 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Thomas, <i>Catena Aurea,<\/i>Epistola dedicatoria (Turin:<i> <\/i>Marietti, 1925) I, 468.<\/p>\
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61 <\/span>'
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63 var WPFootnote15 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Thomas, <i>Sum. theol., <\/i>I, q.1, a.3; see note 10 above.<\/p>\
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64 <\/span>'
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65
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66 var WPFootnote16 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>See Leo XIII, <i>Providentissimu<\/i> <i>s Deus <\/i>(18 Nov 1893) in <i>Acta Leonis XIII<\/i>, vol. 13, p. 345-46.<\/p>\
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67 <\/span>'
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68
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69 var WPFootnote17 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>See <i>Friar Thomas d&#8217;Aquino<\/i>, pp. 164-68.<\/p>\
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70 <\/span>'
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71
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72 var WPFootnote18 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>St. Thomas, <i>Super Evangelium S. Joannis Lectura<\/i>,<i> <\/i>cap.21, lect.6, n.2656, ed. R. Cai (Turin: Marietti 1952), p. 488.<\/p>\
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73 <\/span>'
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74
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75 var WPFootnote19 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Trent. sess. 4, in Denziger-Schbnmetzer, <i>Enchiridion<\/i> <i>Symbolorum <\/i>(1967), n.1501. See the important study of this\
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76 question in J. R. Geiselmann, <i>Die Heilige Schrift und die Tradition <\/i>(Freiburg i. Br.: Herder 1962), pp. 108-160.<\/p>\
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77 <\/span>'
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78
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79 var WPFootnote20 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>Sess. VIII, <i>Constitutio Dogmatica de divina Revelatione, Dei verbum <\/i>(18 Nov . 1965), in <i>Constitutiones, Decreta,\
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80 Declarationes <\/i>(Vatican 1966), p. 429; see whole of cap. 2.<\/p>\
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81 <\/span>'
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82
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83 var WPFootnote21 = '<span class="WPNormal"><p>This was the invocation, for example, in the old Dominican rite of the Mass.<\/p>\
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84 <\/span>'
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85
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86 function WPShow( WPid, WPtext )
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87 {
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88 if( bInlineFloats )
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89 eval( "document.all." + WPid + ".style.visibility = 'visible'" );
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90 else
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91 {
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92 if( floatwnd == 0 || floatwnd.closed )
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93 floatwnd = window.open( "", "comment", "toolbars=0,width=600,height=200,resizable=1,scrollbars=1,dependent=1" );
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94 floatwnd.document.open( "text/html", "replace" );
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95 floatwnd.document.write( "<html><head>\r\n" );
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96 floatwnd.document.write( "<style> p { margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; } <\/style>\r\n" );
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97 floatwnd.document.write( "<\/head><body>\r\n" );
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98 floatwnd.document.write( WPtext );
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99 floatwnd.document.write( '<br><a href="javascript: self.close()">Close<\/a>');
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100 floatwnd.document.write( "<\/body><\/html>" );
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101 floatwnd.document.close();
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102 floatwnd.focus();
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103 }
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104 }
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105
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106 function WPHide( WPid )
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107 {
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108 if( bInlineFloats )
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109 eval( "document.all." + WPid + ".style.visibility = 'hidden'" );
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110 }
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111 //]]>
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112 </script>
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113 <style type="text/css">
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114 /*<![CDATA[*/
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115 p
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116 {
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117 margin-bottom: 1px
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118 }
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119
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120 span.WPFloatStyle
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121 {
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122 visibility: hidden;
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123 position: absolute;
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124 left: 10px;
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125 right: 10px;
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126 background-color: rgb(255, 255, 225);
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127 border-width: 1px;
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128 border-style: solid;
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129 border-color: black;
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130 margin-top: 25px;
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131 padding: 6px;
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132 line-height: normal
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133 }
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134 /*]]>*/
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135 </style>
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136 </head>
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137 <body>
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138 <blockquote>
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139 <center>
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140 <h2>COMMENTARY ON<br />
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141 THE GOSPEL OF ST. JOHN</h2>
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142 <p>St. Thomas Aquinas</p>
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143 <p><span style="font-weight: bold">Part I: Chapters
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144 1-7</span><br />
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145 translated by<br />
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146 James A. Weisheipl, O.P.<br />
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147 Magi Books, Inc., Albany, N.Y.</p>
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148 <table cellpadding="10" border="4">
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149 <tr>
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150 <td><a href="#01">INTRODUCTION</a></td>
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151 <td align="center"><a href="#02"><b>PROLOGUE</b></a></td>
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152 <td><a href="JohnApp.htm">APPENDICES</a></td>
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153 </tr>
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154 </table>
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155 Chapters:
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156 <table cellpadding="10" border="4">
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157 <tr>
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158 <td><a href="John1.htm">*1*</a></td>
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159 <td><a href="John2.htm">*2*</a></td>
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160 <td><a href="John3.htm">*3*</a></td>
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161 <td><a href="John4.htm">*4*</a></td>
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162 <td><a href="John5.htm">*5*</a></td>
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163 <td><a href="John6.htm">*6*</a></td>
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164 <td><a href="John7.htm">*7*</a></td>
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165 </tr>
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166 </table>
35
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167 <p><b>Part II: Chapters 8-21</b><br />
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168 translated by<br />
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169 Fabian R. Larcher, O.P.<br />
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170 Magi Books, Inc., Albany, N.Y., 1998<br />
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171 (notes to these chapters provisional)</p>
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172 <table cellpadding="10" border="4">
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173 <tr>
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174 <td><a href="John8.htm">*8*</a></td>
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175 <td><a href="John9.htm">*9*</a></td>
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176 <td><a href="John10.htm">*10*</a></td>
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177 <td><a href="John11.htm">*11*</a></td>
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178 <td><a href="John12.htm">*12*</a></td>
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179 <td><a href="John13.htm">*13*</a></td>
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180 <td><a href="John14.htm">*14*</a></td>
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181 </tr>
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182 <tr>
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183 <td><a href="John15.htm">*15*</a></td>
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184 <td><a href="John16.htm">*16*</a></td>
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185 <td><a href="John17.htm">*17*</a></td>
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186 <td><a href="John18.htm">*18*</a></td>
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187 <td><a href="John19.htm">*19*</a></td>
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188 <td><a href="John20.htm">*20*</a></td>
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189 <td><a href="John21.htm">*21*</a></td>
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190 </tr>
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191 </table>
35
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192 <br />
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193 <hr width="50%" />
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194 <a name="01"></a>
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195 <p><b>INTRODUCTION</b></p>
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196 </center>
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197 <br />
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198 <div style="text-align:justify">
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199 <p>St. Thomas&rsquo; commentary on the Gospel of St. John is unique
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200 among his many writings on Sacred Scripture. It is the work of a
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201 master theologian, delivered at the University of Paris, then the
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202 intellectual center in Christendom, when Thomas was at the height
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203 of his fame and apostolic zeal for souls. A fourteenth-century list
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204 of Thomas&rsquo; writings notes that this commentary is a
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205 <i>reportatio</i> by Reginald of Piperno and adds &ldquo;better
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206 than which none can be found.&rdquo; <a href=
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207 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote1',%20WPFootnote1%20)"><img src=
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208 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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209 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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210 //<![CDATA[
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211 if( bInlineFloats )
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212 {
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213 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote1" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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214 document.write( WPFootnote1 );
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215 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote1\')">Close<\/a>' );
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216 document.write( '<\/span>' );
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217 }
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218 //]]>
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219 </script> A <i>reportatio</i> is a verbal report of an actual
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220 lecture taken down by a scribe or student in the course of actual
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221 delivery. In this case the scribe was the faithful Friar Reginald
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222 of Piperno, who had been the &ldquo;constant companion,&rdquo; or
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223 socius, for the last fifteen years of Thomas&rsquo; short but busy
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224 life. The Italian Province of Dominicans wisely provided Thomas
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225 with this kind of personal secretary and general factotum after he
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226 returned from Paris as a Master in Sacred Theology in 1260.
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227 <a href="javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote2',%20WPFootnote2%20)"><img src="footnoteicon.gif"
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228 alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0" /></a>
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229 <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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230 //<![CDATA[
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231 if( bInlineFloats )
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232 {
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233 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote2" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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234 document.write( WPFootnote2 );
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235 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote2\')">Close<\/a>' );
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236 document.write( '<\/span>' );
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237 }
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238 //]]>
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239 </script></p>
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240 <p>A <i>reportatio</i> is not exactly a dictation in our sense of
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241 the term; it is more like a student&rsquo;s notebook in shorthand
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242 containing basically the gist of what is being said, but usually
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243 with varying numbers of verbal omissions and inaccuracies. But this
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244 commentary is more than a mere scribal report. It was in fact
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245 &ldquo;corrected&rdquo; by Thomas himself&mdash;if we are to
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246 believe Tolomeo of Lucca, one of Thomas&rsquo; early biographers
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247 and confreres&mdash;before the commentary went into circulation
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248 through copies made by hand, the customary mode of publication
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249 before the era of the printing press. More than that: according to
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250 Bernard Gui, another confrere and early biographer, Thomas himself
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251 wrote out in full the commentary on the first five chapters of John
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252 (and hence this section ought to be considered an authentic
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253 <i>expositio</i>, or authoritative version), while the rest of it
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254 survived in the hand of Reginald, corrected by Thomas.</p>
35
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255 <p>This commentary was very popular in the Middle Ages, and it
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256 ranks among the best of Thomas&rsquo; work as a master theologian
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257 and saintly man of faith. It was read not only by theologians
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258 searching for the truth, but also by preachers and pious men and
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259 women desiring solid food for meditation and fervent prayer.
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260 Scattered throughout the world there still exist thirty-three
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261 complete and thirteen incomplete manuscript copies of this work,
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262 attesting to its considerable popularity before the age of
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263 printing. Innumerable copies of this work have no doubt been lost
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264 or destroyed in the tumult of centuries following the Middle
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265 Ages.</p>
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266 <p>This detailed commentary is St. Thomas&rsquo; personal response
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267 to the Word of God Incarnate as described in the sublime words of
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268 John &ldquo;the Divine.&rdquo; For St. Thomas, the God of Abraham,
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269 Isaac, and Jacob spoke to his chosen people through the mouth of
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270 prophets in the long course of salvation history, &ldquo;But when
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271 the appointed time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born a
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272 subject of the Law, to redeem the subjects of the Law and to enable
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273 us to be adopted as sons&rdquo; (Gal 4:4-5). This Incarnate Son,
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274 Jesus Christ, is the total manifestation of the Father, the Eternal
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275 Word made flesh. There is nothing left unsaid in the Word; the
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276 Father&rsquo;s love is complete in the love the Son bears for the
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277 Father and for us. Christ&rsquo;s whole life, his passion, death,
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278 and resurrection, are the praise and glory of the Father
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279 &ldquo;through the working of the Holy Spirit.&rdquo; &ldquo;You
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280 must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father
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281 is in me&rdquo; (Jn 14:11). &ldquo;Whatever you ask for in my name
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282 I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son&rdquo;
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283 (Jn 14:13). Christ&rsquo;s &ldquo;food&rdquo; was to do the will of
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284 his Father in all things, thus glorifying the Father in Jesus.</p>
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diff changeset
285 <p>One of St. Thomas&rsquo; basic theological principles is that
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286 everything Jesus Christ did and said was for our instruction and
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287 imitation. Thus the sanctity of our lives is the on-going praise
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288 and glory of the Father, through the Son, by the working of the
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289 Holy Spirit. The very being of the Father is the unqualified
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290 affirmation of love for the Son and <i>for</i> us, in the Son.
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291 &ldquo;God is love&rdquo; (1 Jn 4:8). This love elicits from us an
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292 unreserved affirmation of love for God and neighbor, by which God
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293 is glorified and resplendent in us. The whole of our happiness is
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294 this eternal &ldquo;glory&rdquo; in tasting and seeing that the
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295 Lord is good (see Ps 34:8). This commentary is St. Thomas&rsquo;
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296 tasting and seeing the goodness of Jesus, the Word Incarnate,
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297 embodied in the tender words of St. John, the &ldquo;beloved
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298 disciple,&rdquo; who leaned on the breast of the Savior at the Last
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299 Supper.</p>
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300 <p>Thomas brought to his writing of this commentary on John all the
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301 resources at his disposal&mdash;which were
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302 considerable&mdash;especially the riches of the whole Patristic
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303 teaching of the &ldquo;Saints&rdquo; (the <i>sancti Doctores</i>),
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304 the wealth of a living tradition in the Roman Church contained in
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305 its teaching, laws, liturgy, and the living Spirit, as well as
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306 fidelity to the infallible norms of the Holy See.</p>
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307 <p>In an address to students and professors of the
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308 &ldquo;Angelicum&rdquo; (now the Pontifical University of St.
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309 Thomas in Rome) given on January 14, 1958, Pope Pius XII extolled
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310 the virtues of its patron, the Angelic Doctor, who serves as a
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311 divinely inspired guide in both philosophy and theology. <a href=
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312 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote3',%20WPFootnote3%20)"><img src=
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313 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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314 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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315 //<![CDATA[
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316 if( bInlineFloats )
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317 {
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318 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote3" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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319 document.write( WPFootnote3 );
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320 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote3\')">Close<\/a>' );
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321 document.write( '<\/span>' );
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322 }
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323 //]]>
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324 </script> Pope Pius spoke especially of St. Thomas&rsquo; own
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325 studies as a norm for every student of the religious disciplines.
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326 Just as St. Thomas diligently explored and studied the Bible as the
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327 font and life-spring of all theological studies, so too should the
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328 modern student find in biblical studies the source of his
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329 theological development. As St. Thomas himself assures us,
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330 &ldquo;[sacred doctrine] uses the authority of the canonical
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331 Scriptures properly and of necessity in its investigations ... for
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332 our faith is founded on the Revelation made to the Apostles and
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333 Prophets, who wrote the canonical books, but not on revelation (if
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334 such there be) made to other teachers.&rdquo; <a href=
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335 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote4',%20WPFootnote4%20)"><img src=
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336 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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337 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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338 //<![CDATA[
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339 if( bInlineFloats )
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340 {
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341 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote4" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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342 document.write( WPFootnote4 );
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343 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote4\')">Close<\/a>' );
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344 document.write( '<\/span>' );
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345 }
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346 //]]>
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347 </script> In this conviction Thomas developed all his own theology.
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348 That is to say, the &ldquo;complement&rdquo; to Thomas&rsquo;
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349 speculations and synthesis are to be found in his commentaries on
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350 the books of the Old and New Testaments, especially those on the
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351 Epistles of St. Paul.</p>
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diff changeset
352 <p>In the opinion of those most expert to judge, Thomas&rsquo;
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353 commentaries on Scripture &ldquo;shine with such solidity,
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diff changeset
354 subtlety, and precision that they can be numbered among his
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diff changeset
355 greatest theological works,&rdquo; and are to be esteemed as such.
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356 &ldquo;Wherefore, if anyone should neglect them, he is scarcely to
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357 be said to clearly and fully enjoy a familiarity and knowledge of
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358 the holy Angelic Doctor.&rdquo; The significant fact is not that
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diff changeset
359 Pius XII emphasized the importance of studying Thomas&rsquo;
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diff changeset
360 biblical commentaries to Dominicans, who had made their special
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361 prerogative the teaching of &ldquo;speculative Thomistic
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diff changeset
362 theology&rdquo; and the pursuit of contemplative prayer. The
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diff changeset
363 significant fact is that Pius XII expressed these sentiments
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364 shortly before his death and fifteen years after one of his most
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diff changeset
365 important encyclicals, <i>Divino afflante spiritu</i> (30 Sept.
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366 1943), the basic charter of all Catholic biblical studies in our
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diff changeset
367 day, leading to the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation,
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diff changeset
368 <i>Dei verbum,</i> of the Second Vatican Council (18 Nov. 1965). In
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369 other words, the enormous advances of modern biblical studies do
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370 not automatically nullify the importance of St. Thomas&rsquo;
31
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371 commentaries on the Sacred Text.</p>
35
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372 <p>St. Thomas&rsquo; commentaries on the Sacred Text are typically
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373 <i>medieval,</i> that is, they lack the unction, colloquialism, and
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374 engaging informality of Patristic commentaries (which were largely
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375 homilies), and the technical and sometimes journalistic resources
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diff changeset
376 of modern commentaries, explanations, and paraphrases. In other
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377 words, it is easier to read St. Augustine&rsquo;s commentary on
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378 John than it is to read St. Thomas&rsquo; or that of any other
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diff changeset
379 medieval writer addressing students in the &ldquo;schools&rdquo; of
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diff changeset
380 Paris and elsewhere. The big difference is between Patristic and
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diff changeset
381 Monastic commentaries, which were largely homiletic, pastoral,
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diff changeset
382 personal, and mystical, on the one hand, and Scholastic
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383 commentaries aimed at teaching students in the university or
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diff changeset
384 <i>studium</i> the literal meaning of the text. The style of
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diff changeset
385 medieval Scholastic commentaries is rather formal, literal,
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diff changeset
386 student-orientated and bookish. This style often makes such
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387 commentaries difficult for a modem reader to follow, and to some
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388 extent hinders him from deriving the greatest benefit for his mind
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389 and heart. At first glance such a
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390 &ldquo;commentary&rdquo;&mdash;with its definitions, divisions,
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391 arguments footnotes and concern for the orthodox meaning of the
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392 sacred message&mdash;may seem like searching for a needle in a
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393 haystack. But in the case of Thomas&rsquo; commentaries the reader
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394 may be confident that his efforts at discovering that needle will
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395 prove to be both intellectually and spiritually rewarding; once
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396 discovered, it will be valued as &ldquo;the pearl of great
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397 price&rdquo; (Mt 13:46).</p>
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398 <p>In this introduction I hope to show the historical context of
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diff changeset
399 this particular commentary and to indicate some aids to a fruitful
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400 study of it.</p>
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401 <p>First of all, this work is a biblical commentary by a master in
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diff changeset
402 a medieval university. In the Middle Ages, the Bible and the Bible
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403 alone was the official basis for the teaching of theology by fully
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diff changeset
404 qualified masters in the major universities of Europe. In fact, one
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diff changeset
405 could say with some justification that the ultimate goal of all
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406 medieval education was an understanding of the Bible for those who
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diff changeset
407 pursued the full course in the Faculty of Theology. Such an
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diff changeset
408 understanding was the nature of sacred theology <i>(fides quaerens
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diff changeset
409 intellectum,</i> &ldquo;faith seeking understanding&rdquo;). It was
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diff changeset
410 the source of all preaching of the Word of God, and it was the
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411 inexhaustible font of living water for the spiritual life. In order
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412 to reach such a lofty goal, much preparation was required. First,
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diff changeset
413 tools had to be acquired as a means of such study. This was the
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414 role of a good liberal arts education and the acquisition of
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diff changeset
415 philosophy, &ldquo;the handmaid of theology.&rdquo; The study of
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diff changeset
416 the liberal arts and the acquisition of philosophy were functions
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diff changeset
417 of the Arts Faculty in the university or <i>studium.</i>
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418 Approximately eight years were devoted by medieval students to
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419 acquiring these tools&mdash;roughly equivalent to our four years of
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420 high school and four years of college. After the full course had
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421 been completed in &ldquo;the humanities,&rdquo; the young man,
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422 generally in his mid-twenties, would begin his study of the Sacred
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423 Text, having already heard many sermons in Church and having
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diff changeset
424 received much instruction at home. His study of the Sacred Text
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diff changeset
425 began with <i>listening</i> and <i>reading.</i></p>
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diff changeset
426 <p>In the Middle Ages, a personal copy of the Bible was relatively
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427 rare, certainly outside university circles. Every copy of the Bible
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428 was written out by hand on parchment, a writing surface made from
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diff changeset
429 carefully treated skins of sheep. Such a copy was extremely
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430 expensive and hard to come by. Although every student of theology
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431 tried desperately to obtain a personal copy, most people had to
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432 rely on hearing the Word read to them and recollecting from memory
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433 the actual words of the Bible. For that reason the beginner in
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diff changeset
434 theology would <i>listen</i> to older students and the master
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diff changeset
435 (professor). One of the older students, the bachelor of theology,
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diff changeset
436 read aloud and paraphrased a particular book of the Bible. This
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diff changeset
437 bachelor was called a &ldquo;Cursor Biblicus,&rdquo; a
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diff changeset
438 &ldquo;runner through&rdquo; the actual words of the Bible, who did
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diff changeset
439 this to acquaint himself and his hearers with the inspired
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440 words.</p>
35
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441 <p>A splendid example of the work of such a &ldquo;runner&rdquo; is
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diff changeset
442 St. Thomas&rsquo; commentary on Isaiah; it is the work of a
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diff changeset
443 <i>cursor</i> and not that of a master. Only a master could expound
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diff changeset
444 the text with authority and confidence; the bachelor merely skimmed
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diff changeset
445 through it as a runner would skim over the course in a race. A
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446 higher ranking bachelor devoted his energies mainly to explaining
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parents: 31
diff changeset
447 the official theological handbook, the <i>Sentences</i> of Peter
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diff changeset
448 Lombard (d. 1160). These <i>Sentences</i> were a systematic
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parents: 31
diff changeset
449 collection of Patristic teachings, arranged in four books following
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450 the order of the Apostles&rsquo; Creed. This bachelor was called
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diff changeset
451 the <i>bachalarius Sententiarum,</i> a &ldquo;Bachelor of the
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diff changeset
452 <i>Sentences.</i> &ldquo;After listening to others for about four
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diff changeset
453 years, the young student of theology would himself become a
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diff changeset
454 bachelor and perform certain duties under a particular master, his
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diff changeset
455 main professor of theology.</p>
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diff changeset
456 <p>Every university in the Middle Ages had a limited number of
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diff changeset
457 chairs, or professorships, for the masters to occupy. At the time
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diff changeset
458 of St. Thomas, there were twelve chairs of theology at the
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diff changeset
459 University of Paris, the Dominicans having two of them. Before
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diff changeset
460 occupying one of these chairs, the student had to have devoted many
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diff changeset
461 long years to study and actual discussions, or
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diff changeset
462 &ldquo;disputations,&rdquo; in the university, He had to be at
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diff changeset
463 least thirty-five years old before meriting the title of
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diff changeset
464 &ldquo;Master of the Sacred Page&rdquo; and the right to expound
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diff changeset
465 the Bible in an authoritative manner as a true theologian,
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diff changeset
466 professionally qualified.</p>
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diff changeset
467 <p>St. Thomas was twice professor of theology at Paris&mdash;a fact
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diff changeset
468 most unusual in itself. There were very few such cases where a
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469 fully fledged master would return to his old chair, thus preventing
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diff changeset
470 a new master from occupying it. But the intellectual, social, and
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diff changeset
471 religious climate in Paris at that time demanded the return of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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diff changeset
472 Thomas to the center of all theological learning in Europe. The new
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diff changeset
473 mendicant Orders (mainly Dominicans and Franciscans) were again
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diff changeset
474 being attacked by secular (i.e., diocesan) masters of theology, and
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diff changeset
475 their right to teach, preach, and beg was challenged by some of the
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diff changeset
476 most powerful voices in Europe. The center of this controversy Was
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diff changeset
477 the University of Paris, where the very existence of Dominicans and
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diff changeset
478 Franciscans was under fire. At the climax of this renewed attack,
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diff changeset
479 the second in the history of the Dominican Order, St. Thomas was
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diff changeset
480 recalled to Paris by the Master General of the Dominican Order,
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diff changeset
481 Blessed John of Vercelli. Thomas arrived in Paris with his
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diff changeset
482 companion Reginald in the cold winter of 1269 after the academic
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diff changeset
483 term had begun. Immediately Thomas took upon himself the duties of
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diff changeset
484 a master in theology, namely, lecturing on a carefully chosen book
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diff changeset
485 of the Bible, presiding at academic &ldquo;disputations&rdquo; and
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diff changeset
486 resolving the question under discussion, and preaching to the
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diff changeset
487 university crowd. At the same time, he was composing the Second
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diff changeset
488 Part of his <i>Summa theologiae,</i> which he had begun in Rome two
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diff changeset
489 years earlier, and dictating a number of literal commentaries on
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diff changeset
490 various works of Aristotle for young masters in arts, that is,
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diff changeset
491 teachers in the Faculty of Arts, whose duty it was to expound the
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diff changeset
492 text of Aristotle. During the two and a half years Thomas spent at
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diff changeset
493 Paris the second time, he successfully defended the rights of
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diff changeset
494 mendicants to teach, preach, and flourish. During this same
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diff changeset
495 Parisian regency he lectured on the Gospel of St. John.</p>
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diff changeset
496 <p>These lectures on John would have been lost to posterity had not
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diff changeset
497 the faithful Reginald taken notes, which were later
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diff changeset
498 &ldquo;corrected&rdquo; by Thomas himself. The reason Thomas
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diff changeset
499 &ldquo;corrected&rdquo; Reginald&rsquo;s transcription was that a
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diff changeset
500 wealthy secular (i.e., diocesan) student wanted a copy for himself.
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diff changeset
501 This student was Adenulf of Anagni, an Italian cleric, provost of
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diff changeset
502 Saint-Omer (since 1264), later master in theology (1282-85), and
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diff changeset
503 canon of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Adenulf, a student of
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diff changeset
504 Thomas during the years 1269-72, offered a considerable amount of
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diff changeset
505 money to have a professional scribe make a copy of this remarkable
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diff changeset
506 commentary for himself. Without Adenulf&rsquo;s enthusiasm and
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parents: 31
diff changeset
507 money, the &ldquo;lectures&rdquo; (<i>lecturae</i>) on John would
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diff changeset
508 have remained a simple report, or <i>reportatio.</i> If it had not
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
509 been for Reginald, apparently, these lectures would have gone
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
510 completely from history. But the fact is that we do have at hand
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
511 the acute mind of Thomas Aquinas, a master theologian and saint, on
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
512 the Gospel of St. John. This commentary reflects the mind of Thomas
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
513 at its peak, but before he composed the Third Part of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
514 <i>Summa</i> dealing with Christ, the Sacraments, and the Church.
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parents: 31
diff changeset
515 It is a scholastic analysis of St. John&rsquo;s remarkable
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diff changeset
516 testimony of the Good News of Salvation, namely, that the Word
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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diff changeset
517 became flesh, died for our salvation, and is now risen from the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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diff changeset
518 dead to come again as our merciful judge.</p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
519 <p>Earlier, at the request of his intimate friend Pope Urban IV,
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parents: 31
diff changeset
520 Thomas had compiled a continuous gloss on all four Gospels, which
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parents: 31
diff changeset
521 he had collated from the Latin and Greek Fathers of the Church.
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parents: 31
diff changeset
522 Frequently he even instigated new translations of Greek sources, as
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parents: 31
diff changeset
523 he himself confessed in the prologue. This continuous gloss,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
524 popularly called the <i>Catena Aurea,</i> or &ldquo;Golden
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
525 Chain,&rdquo; was not finished when Urban died in 1264. But Thomas
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parents: 31
diff changeset
526 continued his labors on the gloss, which he completed in 1267 and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
527 dedicated to Cardinal Annibaldo d&rsquo;Annibaldi, Thomas&rsquo;
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
528 close friend and former pupil at Paris. The intense labor on the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
529 Gospel of John for the <i>Catena</i> molded the mind of Thomas in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
530 his personal understanding of the Sacred Text of John. St.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
531 John&rsquo;s Gospel is very difficult to understand. Unlike the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
532 Synoptic writers, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, St. John&rsquo;s Gospel
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
533 is a carefully devised presentation of his personal understanding
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
534 of the sacred doctrine taught by Jesus, on whose breast he reclined
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
535 at the Last Supper. John was always known as &ldquo;the disciple
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
536 whom Jesus loved.&rdquo; For St. Thomas, John, the Son of Zebedee,
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parents: 31
diff changeset
537 the author of this Gospel, was a virgin, whose appropriate symbol
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
538 is the eagle soaring in the heights of contemplation. Thomas&rsquo;
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
539 detailed study of the Latin and Greek Fathers, needed to complete
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
540 his Gloss on John, prepared him to shed his own light on the text
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
541 when the opportune moment arrived. That moment arrived when Thomas
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
542 returned to Paris for the second time (1269-72) at the age of about
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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diff changeset
543 forty-four, full of strength and vigor.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
544 <p>But his is a typical medieval commentary because, unlike
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
545 Patristic, monastic, and modern commentaries on John, it utilizes
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
546 certain techniques familiar to all in the Middle Ages, but strange
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
547 to us today. First of all, it is a theological commentary concerned
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
548 with penetrating the literal sense of the words recorded, and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
549 seeing through the literal sense to the spiritual. The medieval
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
550 university theologian was primarily concerned with the literal
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
551 sense of scripture, that is, with the sacred message intended by
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parents: 31
diff changeset
552 the human and divine author. It is therefore primarily concerned
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parents: 31
diff changeset
553 with &ldquo;the theological teaching&rdquo; of the Bible. St.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
554 Thomas did not have at his disposal the infinitely varied
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
555 techniques of modern biblical scholarship. He knew almost nothing
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parents: 31
diff changeset
556 about biblical and near-eastern languages, archeology, philology,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
557 comparative religion, and the historical method. If he had, he
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
558 would most certainly have used them. In the Encyclical <i>Divino
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
559 afflante Spiritu</i> (30 Sept. 1943), Pope Pius XII urged the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
560 importance of textual criticism, biblical and oriental languages,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
561 archeology, profane and sacred history, as well as form criticism
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
562 and the demands of a sound historical method. <a href=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
563 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote5',%20WPFootnote5%20)"><img src=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
564 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
565 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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parents: 31
diff changeset
566 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
567 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
568 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
569 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote5" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
570 document.write( WPFootnote5 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
571 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote5\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
572 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
573 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
574 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
575 </script> He noted with the Angelic Doctor that &ldquo;in Scripture
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parents: 31
diff changeset
576 divine things are presented to us in the manner which is in common
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
577 use amongst men.&rdquo; <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
578 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote6',%20WPFootnote6%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
579 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
580 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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parents: 31
diff changeset
581 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
582 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
583 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
584 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote6" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
585 document.write( WPFootnote6 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
586 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote6\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
587 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
588 }
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589 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
590 </script> The Bible is the Word of God in the words of men, and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
591 this manner of speaking in various ages to various people must be
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
592 carefully studied with all the auxiliary sciences. But even after
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diff changeset
593 all this has been tended to, there is still &ldquo;the theological
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
594 doctrine&rdquo; contained in the Sacred Books. The modem exegete
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
595 should use every means available to discover and explain &ldquo;the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
596 literal sense and especially the theological. &ldquo; <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
597 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote7',%20WPFootnote7%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
598 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
599 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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parents: 31
diff changeset
600 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
601 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
602 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
603 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote7" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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parents:
diff changeset
604 document.write( WPFootnote7 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
605 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote7\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
606 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
607 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
608 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
609 </script> It is this &ldquo;theological sense&rdquo; <i>(sensus
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
610 theologicus),</i> expounded by St. Thomas in his commentary, that
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
611 is most fruitful for our meditation, prayer, and preaching the Word
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
612 of God today.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
613 <p>The literal sense, as St. Thomas teaches, is the objective,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
614 formal, and direct meaning intended by the words in the sacred and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
615 inspired text. <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
616 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote8',%20WPFootnote8%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
617 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
618 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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parents: 31
diff changeset
619 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
620 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
621 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
622 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote8" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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parents:
diff changeset
623 document.write( WPFootnote8 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
624 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote8\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
625 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
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626 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
627 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
628 </script> The author of these words is both God and man, since the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
629 Bible is &ldquo;the inspired Word of God.&rdquo; Modem biblical
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
630 techniques, of course, were unknown to Thomas. All he had was his
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
631 personal copy of the Latin Vulgate (which was not a critical
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
632 edition), the familiar teaching of all the Latin and Greek Fathers
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
633 known to him, his own prayerful reflection on the text, and his
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
634 native genius attentive to the Spirit of God and to the text. Among
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
635 the human means Thomas had at his disposal were grammar, logic, and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
636 Aristotelian philosophy. The literal (or historical) sense was in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
637 principle the only basis of theological thought and discussion. The
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
638 spiritual sense only enlarged, or extended, the basic literal
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
639 sense. By &ldquo;spiritual sense&rdquo; we do not mean the pious,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
640 personal, private, and subjective sense a reader might derive from
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
641 a prayerful reading of the text. Rather, the &ldquo;spiritual
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
642 sense&rdquo; is the enlarged reality &ldquo;intended&rdquo; by
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
643 person, place, or thing signified in the literal, as when the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
644 brazen serpent raised by Moses in the desert is taken to signify
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
645 Christ&rsquo;s crucifixion as the divine means of healing mankind,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
646 or when the paschal lamb is taken to signify Christ who was
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
647 sacrificed for our sins. The &ldquo;spiritual sense&rdquo; is the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
648 enlarged sense &ldquo;intended&rdquo; by a given symbol in the plan
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
649 of divine providence.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
650 <p>Since only God as the author of all things can make one symbol
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
651 significative of another reality, the Bible is the only book that
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
652 can contain a &ldquo;spiritual sense&rdquo; as it was understood by
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
653 medieval theologians. Consequently only the sacred author himself
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
654 can inform us of the existence of such a sense. We could never know
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
655 that one reality is to be taken as a symbol of another reality
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
656 unless the Sacred Author so informs us in the literal sense. For
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
657 example, the author of the Book of Numbers (21:19) explains how
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
658 Moses was directed to make a brazen &ldquo;serpent&rdquo; and set
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
659 it up as a sign; whoever was bitten by one of the fiery serpents
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
660 and &ldquo;looked at the sign&rdquo; that Moses had set up was
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
661 saved from death. But it is John (3:14 15) who explains that
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
662 &ldquo;as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
663 Son of man be lifted up that whoever believes in him may not
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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diff changeset
664 perish, but may have life everlasting.&rdquo; The significance of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
665 Old Testament texts is declared by the sacred writer when he
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
666 explains Christ&rsquo;s actions as being &ldquo;in fulfillment of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
667 the Scriptures.&rdquo; Similarly St. Paul frequently reveals the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
668 &ldquo;spiritual sense&rdquo; of the Law and Prophets by declaring
31
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diff changeset
669 the Christian fulfillment in Jesus.</p>
35
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
670 <p>There were three kinds of spiritual sense recognized by medieval
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
671 theologians: the allegorical, the moral, and the anagogical.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
672 <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
673 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote9',%20WPFootnote9%20)"><img src=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
674 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
675 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
676 //<![CDATA[
31
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677 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
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678 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
679 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote9" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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diff changeset
680 document.write( WPFootnote9 );
35
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diff changeset
681 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote9\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
682 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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diff changeset
683 }
35
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diff changeset
684 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
685 </script> When anything in the Old Testament was taken to signify
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
686 something in the New Testament, this sense was called allegorical.
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
687 Under this sense would be included all those figures, persons, and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
688 events as symbolic of Jesus and his life and death on earth. When
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
689 anything in the life of Jesus is taken as a model for our life, we
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parents: 31
diff changeset
690 call this the moral sense. Under this sense would be included all
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
691 those virtues presented to us for our imitation of Christ. When
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
692 anything in the Scriptures is taken to signify something in the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
693 eternal kingdom hereafter, for example, &ldquo;the new
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
694 Jerusalem,&rdquo; we call this the anagogical sense. Thus the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
695 &ldquo;spiritual sense&rdquo; of a passage was taken to be an
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
696 objective meaning intended by the sacred author, the Holy Spirit.
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parents: 31
diff changeset
697 This, of course, presupposes that the authors of the New Testament
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
698 were inspired by the Holy Spirit.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
699 <p>Whatever personal message one may derive from reading the Bible
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
700 prayerfully and thoughtfully is purely personal and beyond the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
701 science of theology as the study of God&rsquo;s message to mankind.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
702 The personal message is most significant for the reader, but this
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
703 personal significance must be carefully controlled by objective
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
704 theological norms such as the Christian faith, sacred doctrine, the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
705 constant teaching of the Church, and a prayerful listening to the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
706 Holy Spirit.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
707 <p>The most difficult technique of medieval commentators for us to
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parents: 31
diff changeset
708 comprehend is the use of logic and the &ldquo;scholastic
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
709 method.&rdquo; Aristotelian logic is the most significant technique
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
710 contained in the scholastic method. The purpose of the scholastic
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parents: 31
diff changeset
711 method was to instill &ldquo;scientific&rdquo; knowledge through
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
712 (1) definition, (2) division, and (3) demonstration, or
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
713 demonstrative proof. These techniques (or <i>modi sciendi)</i> were
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parents: 31
diff changeset
714 taken for granted by every medieval theologian as the best means of
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parents: 31
diff changeset
715 learning the truth about anything. It was a method of teaching, the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
716 via <i>docendi,</i> which was an imitation of the &ldquo;way of
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diff changeset
717 discovery&rdquo; <i>(via inveniendi</i> or <i>inventionis).</i> The
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diff changeset
718 goal of all education is truth. The goal of theological education
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
719 is an understanding of the doctrines of revelation, the <i>sacra
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parents: 31
diff changeset
720 doctrina</i>. <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
721 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote10',%20WPFootnote10%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
722 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
723 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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parents: 31
diff changeset
724 //<![CDATA[
31
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parents:
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725 if( bInlineFloats )
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parents:
diff changeset
726 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
727 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote10" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
728 document.write( WPFootnote10 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
729 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote10\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
730 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
731 }
35
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732 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
733 </script> It is faith seeking understanding (<i>fides quaerens
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parents: 31
diff changeset
734 intellectum</i>), as St. Anselm puts it, The scholastic method, in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
735 a sense, is artificial and humanly contrived by ineans of logic. In
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
736 the Middle Ages the scholastic method was thought to be the best
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
737 way of learning everything from A to Z. An example of this method
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
738 of learning is embedded in Thomas&rsquo; commentary on John&rsquo;s
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
739 Gospel. It cannot be eliminated. Therefore it depends on us moderns
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
740 to bend a little by trying to see through it, and not be put off by
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
741 it. Always one will find definitions, divisions, and proofs in all
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parents: 31
diff changeset
742 medieval commentaries, whether they be on Aristotle, Boethius, or
31
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parents:
diff changeset
743 the Bible.</p>
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
744 <p>The Scholastics had a penchant for <i>order;</i> where none
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
745 existed, one was imposed. Heeding the words of Aristotle that
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
746 &ldquo;it belongs to the wise man to order,&rdquo; they thought the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
747 prerogative of a good teacher was to order all things well, setting
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
748 out the message, or truth to be conveyed, in an orderly and fitting
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parents: 31
diff changeset
749 way. <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
750 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote11',%20WPFootnote11%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
751 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
752 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
753 //<![CDATA[
31
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parents:
diff changeset
754 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
755 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
756 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote11" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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parents:
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757 document.write( WPFootnote11 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
758 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote11\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
759 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
760 }
35
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diff changeset
761 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
762 </script> This is why the first thing one notices when reading a
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parents: 31
diff changeset
763 medieval commentary is the <i>division,</i> or the ordering of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
764 whole into parts. The least one can perceive is a beginning, a
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
765 middle, and an end. But more than not, one can usually perceive
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
766 some orderly procedure in the middle.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
767 <p>Modern biblical scholars usually see in, St. John&rsquo;s Gospel
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
768 a prologue (1:1-14), a middle (cc. 1-20), and an epilogue (c. 21).
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
769 They then proceed to divide the middle into the Book of Signs (cc.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
770 1-12) and the Book of Glory (cc. 13-20). St. Thomas also divides
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
771 the Gospel into roughly these two parts, but he considers chapter
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
772 12 as belonging to the Book of Glory, because the chapter opens
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
773 &ldquo;six days before Passover&rdquo; with the anointing of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
774 feet of Jesus for his burial (12:1 -11), continues on to the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
775 triumphal entry into Jerusalem (12:12-19), builds to the coming of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
776 the Greeks (12:20-22), and the long discourse of Jesus in which he
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
777 cries out, &ldquo;Father, glorify your name&rdquo; (12:28). In any
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
778 case, it is particularly in this second part that Thomas had to use
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
779 his ingenuity to resolve the discrepancies between John and the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
780 Synoptics. The Synoptics compress the public life of Jesus into one
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
781 year with the one tragic journey of Jesus up to Jerusalem, where he
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
782 is crucified and dies, to be raised up on the third day. John
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
783 extends the public life of Jesus into three years with the final
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
784 year ending in his passion, death, and resurrection. St. Thomas is
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
785 very much concerned with the literal, or historical, sense of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
786 narrative, especially as concerns the passion, death, and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
787 resurrection of the Lord. Throughout the whole exposition of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
788 narrative, Thomas relied heavily on the interpretation of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
789 Fathers of the Church, both Latin and Greek. He quotes the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
790 authority of St. Augustine 373 times, St. John Chrysostom 217
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
791 times, and Origen 95 times. It is an exposition that relies heavily
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
792 on the tradition of the Church and on his own prayerful theological
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
793 reflections.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
794 <p>In the commentary on St. John&rsquo;s Gospel, Thomas is
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
795 concerned not only with the literal sense, which for him is of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
796 Prime importance and concern, but also with the spiritual sense, as
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
797 explained above. More than the other Evangelists, John reveals the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
798 &ldquo;fulfillment of the Scriptures,&rdquo; that is, concern with
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
799 the prophecies and symbols of the Old Law. Christ&rsquo;s own
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
800 prophetic words and actions are seen by John to be a foreshadowing
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
801 of the passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord by which we are
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
802 all saved. Above all, for St. Thomas, John is the Evangelist of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
803 divinity of Jesus, &ldquo;the Word made flesh.&rdquo; He says,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
804 &ldquo;While the other Evangelists treat principally of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
805 mysteries of the humanity of Christ, John, especially and above
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
806 all, makes known the divinity of Christ in his Gospel&rdquo;
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
807 (Prologue). Thomas, following the lead of St. Jerome, thought that
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
808 John wrote his Gospel after the other three Gospels had been
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
809 written, in order to refute new heresies that had arisen concerning
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
810 the divinity of Christ. Following Jerome, Thomas singled out the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
811 Ebionites (whose founder Thomas erroneously thought to have been
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
812 &ldquo;Ebion&rdquo;)&mdash;and Cerinthus, a Gnostic heretic who
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
813 flourished around 100 A.D., as among those who denied the divinity
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
814 of Christ. Even St. Irenaeus <i>(Adv. haer.</i>, III, 11) asserts
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
815 that St. John wrote his Gospel to refute Cerinthus. Thus, St.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
816 Thomas observes in his Prologue, while John did not pass over the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
817 mysteries of Christ&rsquo;s humanity, he especially conveys the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
818 divinity of Christ in his Gospel. In this commentary, therefore,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
819 Thomas repeatedly refutes the heresies of Apollinaris, Arius, the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
820 Arians, Ebionites, Eutyches, the Manichees, Nestorius, Pelagius,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
821 the Pelagians, and Sabellius - all of which plagued the Church in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
822 the first five centuries of its existence. For Thomas these
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
823 heresies were not merely false doctrines irrelevant to the modem
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
824 Christian, but vital guidelines to the purity of the Christian
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
825 faith, the orthodox teaching of the living Church.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
826 <p>Earlier in his career, Thomas had been asked by the archbishop
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
827 of Palermo to write a short work that could be memorized, dealing
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
828 with the articles of faith &ldquo;from the Creed of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
829 Fathers&rdquo; (i.e., the Apostles&rsquo; Creed) and also the basic
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
830 errors concerning them; the archbishop apparently asked also for
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
831 the same presentation for all the sacraments of the Church.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
832 <a href="javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote12',%20WPFootnote12%20)"><img src="footnoteicon.gif"
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
833 alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border="0" /></a>
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
834 <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
35
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
835 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
836 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
837 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
838 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote12" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
839 document.write( WPFootnote12 );
35
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
840 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote12\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
841 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
842 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
843 //]]>
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
844 </script> Thomas complied with this request in a most remarkable
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
845 treatise in two parts: <i>De articulis fidei</i> and <i>De
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
846 ecclesiae sacramentis</i>. <a href=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
847 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote13',%20WPFootnote13%20)"><img src=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
848 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
849 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
850 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
851 if( bInlineFloats )
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852 {
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parents:
diff changeset
853 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote13" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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parents:
diff changeset
854 document.write( WPFootnote13 );
35
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855 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote13\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
856 document.write( '<\/span>' );
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diff changeset
857 }
35
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diff changeset
858 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
859 </script> The wide popularity of this treatise is attested to by
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
860 the 277 extant manuscripts of this work. The six articles
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
861 pertaining to the divinity of Christ and the six pertaining to his
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
862 humanity are set forth, and all the errors concerning the twelve
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
863 articles of the Creed are briefly named and refuted. Although the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
864 sacraments of the Church are implicit in the fourth article of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
865 Creed, they are discussed separately in the second part of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
866 treatise, because the archbishop explicitly asked for a special
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
867 discussion of the sacraments and the heresies concerning them.
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
868 Thomas&rsquo; knowledge of the various heresies in the history of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
869 the Church is most remarkable. All of these same heresies are again
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
870 discussed in his commentary on John&rsquo;s Gospel. That is why St.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
871 Thomas says in the Prologue, &ldquo;[This Gospel] refutes all
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
872 heresies.&rdquo; The numerous heresies of the past ought to be of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
873 great concern to the modern Christian so that he may avoid all
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
874 taint of them in his own, personal belief. A conscious affirmation
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
875 of belief in the truth of revealed teaching that developed in the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
876 living Church guided by the Spirit of Christ can bring us into a
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
877 deeper and more meaningful awareness of being united with the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
878 Eternal Truth. In this commentary, Thomas is concerned above all
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
879 with bolstering the faith of the hearer or reader, or, as he put
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
880 it, &ldquo;to confirm the Catholic Truth.&rdquo;</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
881 <p style="text-align: justify">In other words, there are four goals
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
882 Thomas aimed to achieve in his commentary on St. John:</p>
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
883 <ol>
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
884 <li>determination of the literal, or historical, sense of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
885 narrative;</li>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
886 <li>explanation of the spiritual sense as found in the Old
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
887 Testament (allegorical sense), the goals of our own life in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
888 imitating Jesus (moral sense), and life of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
889 &ldquo;kingdom&rdquo; here and hereafter (anagogical sense);</li>
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
890 <li>refutation of all error through the testimony of the inspired
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
891 Word of God;</li>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
892 <li>confirmation of the true Catholic Faith given to us by God
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
893 through his Church, the Body of Christ.</li>
31
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parents:
diff changeset
894 </ol>
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
895 <p>These are the same goals Thomas had set for himself in composing
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
896 the <i>Catena Aurea,</i> particularly in the <i>Catena</i> on
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
897 John&rsquo;s Gospel, which was composed only four or five years
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
898 earlier. <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
899 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote14',%20WPFootnote14%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
900 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
901 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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parents: 31
diff changeset
902 //<![CDATA[
31
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parents:
diff changeset
903 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
904 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
905 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote14" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
906 document.write( WPFootnote14 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
907 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote14\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
908 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
909 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
910 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
911 </script></p>
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
912 <p>There are four outstanding features that will be noticed as one
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
913 studies the commentary of Thomas on the Gospel of John. First,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
914 Thomas had an extraordinary knowledge of the whole Bible. It has
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
915 been said, not without likelihood, that Thomas memorized the entire
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
916 Bible during the year he was confined to his family castle at
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
917 Roccasecca, 1244-45. This is not at all difficult to believe. His
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
918 memory was far superior to any man-made concordance of the Bible.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
919 Thomas always saw the <i>unity</i> of divine revelation. It was the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
920 unity of <i>sacra doctrina</i> as a single &ldquo;science.&rdquo;
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
921 <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
922 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote15',%20WPFootnote15%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
923 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
924 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
925 //<![CDATA[
31
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parents:
diff changeset
926 if( bInlineFloats )
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parents:
diff changeset
927 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
928 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote15" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
929 document.write( WPFootnote15 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
930 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote15\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
931 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
932 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
933 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
934 </script> The &ldquo;orthodox&rdquo; teaching of Christ, Son of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
935 Living God, cannot be anything but <i>one.</i> Because of this
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
936 unity, Thomas could use any one part of Sacred Scripture to explain
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
937 and illumine any other part. Thus Thomas could use the teaching of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
938 St. Paul and the Psalms to explain the text of John. This use of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
939 one part of revelation to illumine another has been aptly called
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
940 &ldquo;the analogy of faith&rdquo; (<i>secundum rationern
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
941 fidei,</i> as St. Paul says in Romans 12:6). <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
942 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote16',%20WPFootnote16%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
943 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
944 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
945 //<![CDATA[
31
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parents:
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946 if( bInlineFloats )
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parents:
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947 {
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parents:
diff changeset
948 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote16" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
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parents:
diff changeset
949 document.write( WPFootnote16 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
950 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote16\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
951 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
952 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
953 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
954 </script></p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
955 <p>Second, Thomas had an unusual knowledge of the Latin and Greek
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
956 Fathers of the Church. This knowledge, no doubt aided by his work
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
957 on the <i>Catena Aurea, is</i> brought to bear on every difficult
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
958 question or obscure passage in John, even when it is a question of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
959 chronology, geography, Jewish customs, or language. The medieval
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
960 mind associated words, quotations and parallels with uncanny
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
961 facility, always trying to find the best pertinent quotation from
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
962 the proper authorities (<i>auctoritates</i>)<i>.</i> Great weight,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
963 sometimes of probative value, was always given to the recognized
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
964 <i>auctoritates,</i> which, in theology were always the Bible and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
965 the <i>sancti,</i> meaning recognized or canonized Doctors of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
966 Church, who were the <i>regula fidei</i> (&ldquo;the rule of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
967 faith&rdquo;), the &ldquo;norms&rdquo; of Christian belief.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
968 Thomas&rsquo; knowledge of these Doctors was prodigious. The
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
969 contemporaries of Thomas relied heavily on all available works of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
970 the Latin Fathers, especially those of St. Augustine. But, as has
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
971 been pointed out earlier, Thomas not only accepted the eminent
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
972 authority of St. Augustine, but also had a wealth of Greek sources
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
973 from which to draw, including the early Ecumenical Councils of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
974 Church, whose <i>Acts</i> were largely neglected or forgotten in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
975 the Latin Middle Ages. <a href=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
976 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote17',%20WPFootnote17%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
977 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
978 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
979 //<![CDATA[
31
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parents:
diff changeset
980 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
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parents:
diff changeset
981 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
982 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote17" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
983 document.write( WPFootnote17 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
984 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote17\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
985 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
986 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
987 //]]>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
988 </script></p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
989 <p>Third, Thomas was, after all, an outstanding theologian for any
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
990 season. His theology was not only biblical and patristic, but also
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
991 logical and philosophical. While he absorbed and refined the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
992 philosophy of Aristotle, newly translated from the Greek, he never
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
993 put this philosophy ahead of his Catholic faith. Rather he used
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
994 that philosophy <i>in obsequium fidei</i> (Phil 2:17), as a
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
995 &ldquo;handmaid of theology.&rdquo; His comprehension of Aristotle
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
996 and his use of the scholastic method are among the glories of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
997 Middle Ages. In St. Thomas we find an exceptionally gifted mind
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
998 carefully honed to human perfection by self-discipline, long study,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
999 and clear thinking. This was natural talent, ranked by many as a
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1000 true genius, brought to the highest human perfection by the grace
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1001 of God.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1002 <p>Finally, Friar Thomas d&rsquo;Aquino was a saint, one of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1003 great saints in the Latin Church. A basic principle of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1004 Thomas&rsquo; theology is that &ldquo;grace perfects nature&rdquo;;
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1005 that is, the grace of God never destroys or replaces nature, but
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1006 builds upon it. For St. Thomas, there is in divine providence a
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1007 certain kind of proportion between God&rsquo;s gifts of nature and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1008 his gifts of grace. Even when we accept this principle with all the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1009 necessary qualifications needed, we can readily see that in the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1010 mind and heart of St. Thomas, God&rsquo;s grace abundantly
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1011 perfected an already great man. Not only did Thomas meditate
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1012 prayerfully on the Sacred Scriptures, but lie drew from them
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1013 substantial nourishment for his soul. This process of enrichment
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1014 can be seen conspicuously in the commentary on John, particularly
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1015 the section dealing with the &ldquo;Last Discourse&rdquo; of Jesus
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1016 to his disciples at the Last Supper, collected in &ldquo;the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1017 sayings of Jesus&rdquo; in chapters 14 to 17. Here Thomas&rsquo;
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1018 discussion of the Son&rsquo;s procession from the Father while
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1019 being consubstantially one with the Father, is precise,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1020 illuminating, and brilliant; the mission of the Holy Spirit from
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1021 the Father <i>and</i> from the Son (<i>Filioque</i>) is clearly
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1022 demonstrated against the Greek Orthodox who used this question as
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1023 one of the many issues that separated them from Rome, initially in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1024 the ninth, and decisively in the eleventh century. But above all,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1025 the indwelling of the Holy Trinity in the hearts of the faithful is
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1026 alive and vital; the extraordinary love Jesus had for his faithful
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1027 disciples is movingly real and dynamic. In this commentary on John
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1028 we have all the elements of a real masterpiece of its kind in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1029 medieval literature.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1030 <p>St. Thomas was very much impressed by the force and absolute
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1031 veracity of the Gospel proclaimed by John: &ldquo;This disciple is
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1032 the one who vouches for these things and has written them down, and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1033 we know that his testimony is true&rdquo; (Jn 21:24). St. Thomas
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1034 comments that the Evangelist makes this statement &ldquo;in the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1035 person of the whole Church (<i>in persona totius Ecclesiae</i>)from
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1036 whom this Gospel is received [by us].&rdquo; The Evangelist himself
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1037 knows the veracity of his narrative, and even St. Paul condemns
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1038 those who would preach a gospel other than the one he had received
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1039 (see Gal 1:9). The firmness and stability of our Christian faith is
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1040 the authority of God speaking through Evangelists, Apostles and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1041 other authors of the canonical Books of Scripture. Their testimony
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1042 leaves us without any doubt as to our faith, because &ldquo;the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1043 Canonical Scriptures alone are the rule of faith.&rdquo; <a href=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1044 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote18',%20WPFootnote18%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1045 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1046 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1047 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1048 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1049 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1050 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote18" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1051 document.write( WPFootnote18 );
35
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1052 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote18\')">Close<\/a>' );
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1053 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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ht
parents:
diff changeset
1054 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1055 //]]>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1056 </script> This <i>sola scriptura</i> of which St. Thomas speaks is
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1057 far different from the <i>sola scriptura</i> (&ldquo;only the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1058 Bible&rdquo;) of the Reformers. This battle cry was made famous by
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1059 Luther, who insisted that what is not contained in the Bible is not
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1060 &ldquo;of faith.&rdquo; But Luther and Thomas (or any other
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1061 medieval theologian) meant two different things by the word
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1062 <i>Bible,</i> or <i>Sacred Scriptures.</i> For Luther and the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1063 Reformers the Bible was thought of as a finished, edited, and (by
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1064 then) printed collection, while Thomas and the medieval theologians
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1065 meant the Sacred Word <i>together with</i> the gloss of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1066 Fathers, liturgy, and the living Church. The Reformers thought of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1067 &ldquo;The Bible&rdquo; completely devoid of a history and a
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1068 historical context, devoid of transmission and development; in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1069 short, they thought of &ldquo;The Bible&rdquo; distinct from the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1070 Church. Thus in the face of this misunderstanding, the Council of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1071 Trent spoke as <i>though</i> there were two sources of our faith:
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1072 &ldquo;the written books and the unwritten traditions.&rdquo;
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1073 <a href=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1074 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote19',%20WPFootnote19%20)"><img src=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1075 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1076 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1077 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1078 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1079 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1080 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote19" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1081 document.write( WPFootnote19 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1082 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote19\')">Close<\/a>' );
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1083 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1084 }
35
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1085 //]]>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1086 </script> But even this manner of speaking was a concession to a
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1087 false dichotomy that was historically conditioned. The Second
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1088 Vatican Council, however, described these two sources&rdquo; more
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1089 traditionally as a single mirror (<i>veluti speculum sunt</i>)
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1090 reflecting both sacred tradition and Sacred Scripture. <a href=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1091 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote20',%20WPFootnote20%20)"><img src=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1092 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1093 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1094 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1095 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1096 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1097 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote20" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1098 document.write( WPFootnote20 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1099 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote20\')">Close<\/a>' );
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ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1100 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
1101 }
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1102 //]]>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1103 </script></p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1104 <p>Historically speaking, the revelation given by God and received
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1105 by the chosen people was prior to any scriptural document. Abraham,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1106 Isaac, and Jacob were given the message of salvation long before
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1107 there was any question of a written Torah. Christ&rsquo;s message
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1108 of salvation was accepted by the Apostles, disciples, and early
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1109 Christians for a quarter of a century before the first fraction of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1110 the New Testament was written&mdash;and this by St. Paul (1
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1111 Thessalonians, probably at the beginning of 52 A.D.). We must
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1112 always remember that the Canon of the New Testament was not
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1113 established as an inspired unit until 382 A.D., at the earliest.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1114 That is, the living Church existed long before the New Testament
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1115 was &ldquo;written,&rdquo; and it existed for 350 years before the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1116 present books were collected into an exclusive and canonical unity.
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1117 For this reason, St. Thomas could speak of the &ldquo;whole Church
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1118 from whom this Gospel is received.&rdquo;</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1119 <p>Finally, a word should be said in aid of a fruitful reading of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1120 St. Thomas&rsquo; commentary on John. Although the pericope or
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1121 section commented upon in every &ldquo;Lecture&rdquo; is printed in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1122 full at the head of the commentary, it would be best to procure a
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1123 second copy of the whole text and read the particular chapter in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1124 full before proceeding to the comment. It is of utmost importance
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1125 to follow the <i>divisions</i> of the text made by St. Thomas and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1126 always keep the context well in view. The lemmata, or phrases
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1127 commented upon, are clearly set off from the comment by the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1128 printer. Unless the particular lemma is constantly related to the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1129 context as a whole, one can easily get lost in the forest of words,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1130 cross references, and quotations. Since <i>order</i> and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1131 <i>division</i> are such important elements in the scholastic
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1132 method, these must be continuously related to the <i>whole,</i>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1133 whether it be a collection of chapters, an individual chapter, part
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1134 of a chapter, a parable, narrative, pericope, or sentence. Those
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1135 who wish to obtain the greatest understanding of the Sacred Text
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1136 might well augment the study of St. Thomas&rsquo;
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1137 &ldquo;theological sense&rdquo; of John with a modern commentary,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1138 such as the outstanding commentary by Father Raymond Brown in the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1139 Anchor Bible (2 vols.).</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1140 <p>For the fruitful reading of St. Thomas&rsquo; commentary on
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1141 John, we should further note that throughout the long history of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1142 the Church, listeners and readers of tile Sacred Text have always
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1143 been encouraged to prepare their minds and souls for a fruitful
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1144 reception of the Word. The Word of God, like the seed in the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1145 parable (Lk 8:15), needs to be received in &ldquo;good
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1146 ground&rdquo; in order to yield fruit a hundredfold. The reception
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1147 of anything, according to the ancient philosophers, depends on the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1148 condition of the receiver. The Word of God is Spirit (Jn 6:63), and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1149 only the Holy Spirit cdn prepare the soul for fruitful reception of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1150 the Word. In the solemn proclamation of the Gospel in the Liturgy
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1151 of the Word, the Church prays for the Deacon that the Lord be in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1152 his heart and on his lips in order to announce the Holy Gospel of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1153 Peace. <a href=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1154 "javascript:WPShow('WPFootnote21',%20WPFootnote21%20)"><img src=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1155 "footnoteicon.gif" alt="Footnote" width="16" height="14" border=
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1156 "0" /></a> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript">
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1157 //<![CDATA[
31
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1158 if( bInlineFloats )
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1159 {
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1160 document.write( '<span id="WPFootnote21" class="WPFloatStyle">' );
25a799388159 originals from http://www.josephkenny.joyeurs.com/CDtexts/SSJohn.htm
ht
parents:
diff changeset
1161 document.write( WPFootnote21 );
35
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1162 document.write( '<br><a href="javascript:WPHide(\'WPFootnote21\')">Close<\/a>' );
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1163 document.write( '<\/span>' );
31
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parents:
diff changeset
1164 }
35
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1165 //]]>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1166 </script> Preparing one&rsquo;s mind and heart by prayer and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1167 recollection is of greatest importance for the reception of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1168 God&rsquo;s message for us. This message is directed primarily to
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1169 us as God&rsquo;s chosen people, the pilgrim Church on earth, and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1170 through the Church to us as individuals beloved by God and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1171 &ldquo;purchased at a great price&rdquo; (1 Cor 6:20). The message
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1172 of salvation is addressed to us individually and collectively, and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1173 we both individually and collectively must attune our minds and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1174 hearts to the Spirit. &ldquo;The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1175 the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1176 remind you of all I have said to you&rdquo; (Jn 14:26). The Holy
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1177 Spirit speaks to our hearts through the Scriptures, inspired and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1178 animated by him. The Scriptures as a spiritual resource cannot be
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1179 dissociated from personal prayer and cultivation of our sacramental
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1180 life in the Church. Being receptive is the important thing as we
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1181 begin our study.</p>
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1182 <p>Finally, the power of reading or hearing the Sacred Scriptures
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1183 is so great that it actually forgives sins. Apart from &ldquo;the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1184 Sacraments of the faith&rdquo; (<i>sacramenta fidei</i>), it is one
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1185 of the many ways by which our many sins are forgiven. The Fathers
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1186 of the Church have always listed&mdash;along with almsgiving,
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1187 contrition, and good works&mdash;the special efficacy of reading
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1188 the Scriptures for the forgiveness of sins. The new liturgy of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1189 Mass prompted by the Second Vatican Council still retains the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1190 ancient prayer: &ldquo;May the words of the Gospel wipe away our
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1191 sins.&rdquo; The humble and contrite reading of any part of the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1192 Scriptures wipes away sin because the power of the Word is the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1193 power of God, who alone can forgive sins. Thus we should always
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1194 approach the Scriptures with a &ldquo;humble and contrite
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
ht
parents: 31
diff changeset
1195 heart.&rdquo; The Psalmist declares, &ldquo;A contrite and humbled
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1196 heart, 0 God, you will not despise&rdquo; (Ps 50:19). God always
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1197 answers a humble and contrite heart in order to glorify himself in
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1198 us, just as the Father is always glorified in the Son.
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diff changeset
1199 &ldquo;Whatever you ask for in my name I will do, so that the
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diff changeset
1200 Father may be glorified in the Son&rdquo; Qn 14:13). This
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diff changeset
1201 &ldquo;glory&rdquo; of the Father through the Son in the Holy
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diff changeset
1202 Spirit is sometimes called the indwelling of the Trinity within our
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diff changeset
1203 souls. It is the &ldquo;conformity&rdquo; of our whole being to the
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diff changeset
1204 Father through the Word animated by the Spirit. In this conformity
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1205 of our innermost being with the splendor of God lies the whole
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1206 perfection of the Christian life. In this perfection consists the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1207 glory and splendor of God himself. This union of one&rsquo;s
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1208 deepest self and the innermost being of God is the answer to the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1209 prayer of Jesus to the Father: &ldquo;That they may be one, as we
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1210 also are one&rdquo; (Jn 17:11).</p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1211 <p>From this it follows that the study of St. Thomas&rsquo;
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1212 commentary on St. John&rsquo;s Gospel is richly rewarding in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1213 healing our wounds and leading us to greater union with the Father
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diff changeset
1214 of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose message of salvation is here
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diff changeset
1215 proclaimed by &ldquo;the disciple whom Jesus loved&rdquo; (Jn
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diff changeset
1216 20:2). For our guide we can have none better than the Angelic
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diff changeset
1217 Doctor, whom Jesus loved.</p>
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diff changeset
1218 <p style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 0.125in">James A.
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diff changeset
1219 Weisheipl, O.P.<br />
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1220 Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies<br />
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1221 Toronto, Canada</p>
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diff changeset
1222 <br />
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diff changeset
1223 <hr />
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diff changeset
1224 <a name="02"></a>
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diff changeset
1225 <p style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.125in"><span style=
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diff changeset
1226 "font-weight: bold">PROLOGUE</span></p>
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diff changeset
1227 <p style=
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diff changeset
1228 "text-align: justify; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0.125in">
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diff changeset
1229 <i>I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the whole
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1230 house was full of his majesty, and the things that were under him
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1231 filled the temple.</i> (Is 6:1)</p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1232 <p>1 These are the words of a contemplative, and if we regard them
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1233 as spoken by John the Evangelist they apply quite well to showing
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1234 the nature of this Gospel. For as Augustine says in his work, <i>On
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1235 the Agreement of the Evangelists:</i> &ldquo;The other Evangelists
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1236 instruct us in their Gospels on the active life; but John in his
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1237 Gospel instructs us also on the contemplative life.&rdquo;</p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1238 <p>The contemplation of John is described above in three ways, in
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1239 keeping with the threefold manner in which he contemplated the Lord
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1240 Jesus. It is described as high, full, and perfect. It is high:
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1241 <span style="font-weight: bold">I saw the Lord seated on a high and
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1242 lofty throne;</span> it is full: <span style=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1243 "font-weight: bold">and the whole house was full of his
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1244 majesty;</span> and it was perfect: <span style=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1245 "font-weight: bold">and the things that were under him filled the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1246 temple.</span></p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1247 <p>2 As to the first, we must understand that the Height and
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diff changeset
1248 sublimity of contemplation consists most of all in the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1249 contemplation and knowledge of God. &ldquo;Lift up your eyes on
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1250 high, and see who has created these things&rdquo; (Is 40:26). A man
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1251 lifts up his eyes on high when he sees and contemplates the Creator
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1252 of all things. Now since John rose above whatever had been
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1253 created&mdash;mountains, heavens, angels&mdash;and reached the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1254 Creator of all, as Augustine says, it is clear that his
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diff changeset
1255 contemplation was most high. Thus, <span style=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1256 "font-weight: bold">I saw the Lord.</span> And because, as John
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1257 himself says below (12:41), &ldquo;Isaiah said this because he had
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diff changeset
1258 seen his glory,&rdquo; that is, the glory of Christ, &ldquo;and
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1259 spoke of him,&rdquo; the Lord <span style=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1260 "font-weight: bold">seated on a high and lofty throne</span> is
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1261 Christ.</p>
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diff changeset
1262 <p>Now a fourfold height is indicated in this contemplation of
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1263 John. A height of authority; hence he says, <span style=
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1264 "font-weight: bold">I saw the Lord.</span> A height of eternity;
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1265 when he says, seated. One of dignity, or nobility of nature; so he
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diff changeset
1266 says, <span style="font-weight: bold">on a high throne.</span> And
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diff changeset
1267 a height of incomprehensible truth; when he says, lofty. It is in
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1268 these four ways that the early philosophers arrived at the
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diff changeset
1269 knowledge of God.</p>
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diff changeset
1270 <p>3 Some attained to a knowledge of God through his authority, and
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diff changeset
1271 this is the most efficacious way. For we see the things in nature
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diff changeset
1272 acting for an end, and attaining to ends which are both useful and
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diff changeset
1273 certain. And since they lack intelligence, they are unable to
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diff changeset
1274 direct themselves, but must be directed and moved by one directing
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diff changeset
1275 them, and who possesses an intellect. Thus it is that the movement
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diff changeset
1276 of the things of nature toward a certain end indicates the
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diff changeset
1277 existence of something higher by which the things of nature are
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diff changeset
1278 directed to an end and governed. And so, since the whole course of
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diff changeset
1279 nature advances to an end in an orderly way and is directed, we
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diff changeset
1280 have to posit something higher w1iich directs and governs them as
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diff changeset
1281 Lord; and this is God. This authority in governing is shown to be
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diff changeset
1282 in the Word of God when he says, Lord. Thus the Psalm (88:10) says:
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diff changeset
1283 &ldquo;You rule the power of the sea, and you still the swelling of
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1284 its waves,&rdquo; as though saying: You are the Lord and govern all
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diff changeset
1285 things. John shows that he knows this about the Word when he says
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1286 below (1:11), &ldquo;He came unto his own,&rdquo; i.e., to the
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diff changeset
1287 world, since the whole universe is his own.</p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1288 <p>4 Others came to a knowledge of God from his eternity. They saw
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1289 that whatever was in things was changeable, and that the more noble
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diff changeset
1290 something is in the grades of being, so much the less it has of
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diff changeset
1291 mutability. For example, the lower bodies are mutable both as to
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diff changeset
1292 their substance and to place, while the heavenly bodies, which are
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diff changeset
1293 more noble, are immutable in substance and change only with respect
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diff changeset
1294 to place. We can clearly conclude from this that the first
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diff changeset
1295 principle of all things, which is supreme and more noble, is
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diff changeset
1296 changeless and eternal. The prophet suggests this eternity of the
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diff changeset
1297 Word when he says, <span style="font-weight: bold">seated,</span>
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diff changeset
1298 i.e., presiding without any change and eternally. &ldquo;Your
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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diff changeset
1299 throne, O God, is forever and ever&rdquo; (Ps 44:7); &ldquo;Jesus
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diff changeset
1300 Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever&rdquo; (Heb 13:8).
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diff changeset
1301 John points to this eternity when he says below (1:1), &ldquo;In
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1302 the beginning was the Word.&rdquo;</p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1303 <p>5 Still others came to a knowledge of God from the dignity of
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diff changeset
1304 God; and these were the Platonists. They noted that everything
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diff changeset
1305 which is something by participation is reduced to what is the same
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diff changeset
1306 thing by essence, as to the first and highest. Thus, all things
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1307 which are fiery by participation are reduced to fire, which is such
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diff changeset
1308 by its essence. And so since all things which exist participate in
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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diff changeset
1309 existence (<i>esse</i>) and are beings by participation, there must
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diff changeset
1310 necessarily be at the summit of all things something which is
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diff changeset
1311 existence (<i>esse</i>) by its essence, i.e., whose essence is its
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diff changeset
1312 existence. And this is God, who is the most sufficient, the most
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diff changeset
1313 eminent, and the most perfect cause of the whole of existence,
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diff changeset
1314 from, whom all things that are participate existence
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diff changeset
1315 (<i>esse</i>)<i>.</i> This dignity is shown in the words,
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diff changeset
1316 <span style="font-weight: bold">on a high throne,</span> which,
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diff changeset
1317 according to Denis, refer to the divine nature. &ldquo;The Lord is
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diff changeset
1318 high above all nations&rdquo; (Ps 112:4). John shows us this
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diff changeset
1319 dignity when he says below (1:1), &ldquo;the Word was God,&rdquo;
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diff changeset
1320 with &ldquo;Word&rdquo; as subject and &ldquo;God&rdquo; as the
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diff changeset
1321 predicate.</p>
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diff changeset
1322 <p>6 Yet others arrived at a knowledge of God from the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1323 incomprehensibility of truth. All the truth which our intellect is
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1324 able to grasp is finite, since according to Augustine,
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diff changeset
1325 &ldquo;everything that is known is bounded by the comprehension of
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1326 the one knowing&rdquo;; and if it is bounded, it is determined and
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diff changeset
1327 particularized. Therefore, the first and supreme Truth, which
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1328 surpasses every intellect, must necessarily be incomprehensible and
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1329 infinite; and this is God. [fence the Psalm (8:2) says, &ldquo;Your
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1330 greatness is above the heavens,&rdquo; i.e., above every created
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1331 intellect, angelic and human. The Apostle says this in the words,
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1332 &ldquo;He dwells in unapproachable light&rdquo; (1 Tim 6:16). This
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1333 incomprehensibility of Truth is shown to us in the word,
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1334 <span style="font-weight: bold">lofty,</span> that is, above all
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diff changeset
1335 the knowledge of the created intellect. John implies this
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1336 incomprehensibility to us when he says below (1:18), &ldquo;No one
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1337 has ever seen God.&rdquo;</p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1338 <p>Thus, the contemplation of John was high as regards authority,
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1339 eternity, dignity, and the incomprehensibility of the Word. And
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diff changeset
1340 John has passed on this contemplation to us in his Gospel.</p>
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diff changeset
1341 <p>7 John&rsquo;s contemplation was also full. Now contemplation is
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1342 full when someone is able to consider all the effects of a cause in
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1343 the cause itself, that is, when he knows not only the essence of
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1344 the cause, but also its power, according as it can extend out to
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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diff changeset
1345 many things. Of this flowing outward we read, &ldquo;It overflows
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1346 with wisdom, like the Pishon, and like the Tigris in the days of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1347 the new fruits&rdquo; (Sir 25:35); &ldquo;The river of God is full
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1348 with water,&rdquo; since the divine wisdom has depth in relation to
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1349 its knowledge of all things (Ps 65:9). &ldquo;With you from the
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1350 beginning is wisdom, who knows your works&rdquo; (Wis 9:9).</p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1351 <p>Since John the Evangelist was raised up to the contemplation of
178aed5d2c3c convert to XML
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1352 the nature of the divine Word and of his essence when he said,
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1353 &ldquo;In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was with
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1354 God,&rdquo; he immediately tells us of the power of the Word as it
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1355 extends to all things, saying, &ldquo;Through him all things came
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1356 into being.&rdquo; Thus his contemplation was full. And so after
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1357 the prophet had <span style="font-weight: bold">said, I saw the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1358 Lord seated,</span> he added something about his power,
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diff changeset
1359 <span style="font-weight: bold">and the whole house was full of his
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1360 majesty,</span> that is, the whole fullness of things and of the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1361 universe is from the majesty and power of God, through whom all
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1362 things were made, and by whose light all the men coming into this
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1363 world are enlightened. &ldquo;The earth and its fullness are the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1364 Lord&rsquo;s&rdquo; (Ps 23:1).</p>
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1365 <p>8 The contemplation of John was also perfect. For contemplation
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1366 is perfect when the one contemplating is led and raised to the
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parents: 31
diff changeset
1367 height of the thing contemplated. Should he remain at a lower
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diff changeset
1368 level, then no matter how high the things which he might
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diff changeset
1369 contemplate, the contemplation would not be perfect. So in order
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diff changeset
1370 that it be perfect it is necessary that it rise and attain the end
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diff changeset
1371 of the thing contemplated, adhering and assenting by affection and
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1372 understanding to the truth contemplated. Job (37:16) says,
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1373 &ldquo;Do you not know the path of the clouds,&rdquo; that is, the
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1374 contemplation of those preaching, &ldquo;how perfect they
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1375 are?&rdquo; inasmuch as they adhere firmly by affection and
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1376 understanding to contemplating the highest truth.</p>
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1377 <p>Since John not only taught how Christ Jesus, the Word of God, is
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1378 God, raised above all things, and how all things were made through
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1379 him, but also that we are sanctified by him and adhere to him by
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1380 the grace which he pours into us, he says below (1:16), &ldquo;Of
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1381 his fullness we have all received - indeed, grace in return for
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1382 grace.&rdquo; It is therefore apparent that his contemplation is
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1383 perfect. This perfection is shown in the addition, <span style=
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1384 "font-weight: bold">and the things that were under him filled the
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1385 temple.</span> For &ldquo;the head of Christ is God&rdquo; (1 Cor
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1386 11:3). The things that are under Christ are the sacraments of his
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diff changeset
1387 humanity, through which the faithful are filled with the fullness
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1388 of grace. In this way, then, <span style="font-weight: bold">the
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1389 things that were under him filled the temple,</span> i.e., the
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diff changeset
1390 faithful, who are the holy temple of God (1 Cor 3:17) insofar as
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diff changeset
1391 through the sacraments of his humanity all the faithful of Christ
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1392 receive from the fullness of his grace.</p>
31
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1393 <p>The contemplation of John was thus full, high, and perfect.</p>
35
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1394 <p>9 We should note, however, that these three characteristics of
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1395 contemplation belong to the different sciences in different ways.
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diff changeset
1396 The perfection of contemplation is found in Moral Science, which is
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1397 concerned with the ultimate end. The fullness of contemplation is
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1398 possessed by Natural Science, which considers things as proceeding
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diff changeset
1399 from God. Among the physical [natural] sciences, the height of
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diff changeset
1400 contemplation is found in Metaphysics. But the Gospel of John
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1401 contains all together what the above sciences have in a divided
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1402 way, and so it is most perfect.</p>
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1403 <p>10 In this way then, from what has been said, we can understand
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diff changeset
1404 the matter of this Gospel. For while the other Evangelists treat
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diff changeset
1405 principally of the mysteries of the humanity of Christ, John,
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1406 especially and above all, makes known the divinity of Christ in his
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1407 Gospel, as we saw above. Still, he does not ignore the mysteries of
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diff changeset
1408 his humanity. He did this because, after the other Evangelists had
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1409 written their Gospels, heresies had arisen concerning the divinity
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1410 of Christ, to the effect that Christ was purely and simply a man,
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1411 as Ebion and Cerinthus falsely thought. And so John the Evangelist,
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1412 who had drawn the truth about the divinity of the Word from the
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1413 very fountain-head of the divine breast, wrote this Gospel at the
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1414 request of the faithful. And in it he gives us the doctrine of the
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1415 divinity of Christ and refutes all heresies.</p>
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1416 <p>The order of this Gospel is clear from the above. For John first
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1417 shows us <span style="font-weight: bold">the Lord seated on a high
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1418 and lofty throne,</span> when he says below (1:1), &ldquo;In the
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1419 beginning was the Word.&rdquo; He shows secondly how <span style=
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diff changeset
1420 "font-weight: bold">the house was full of his majesty,</span> when
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1421 he says, &ldquo;through him all things came into being&rdquo;
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1422 (1:3). Thirdly, he shows how the <span style=
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1423 "font-weight: bold">things that were under him filled the
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1424 temple,</span> when he says, &ldquo;the Word was made flesh&rdquo;
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1425 (1:14). The end of this Gospel is also clear, and it is that the
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1426 faithful become the temple of God, and become filled with the
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1427 majesty of God; and so John says below (20:31), &ldquo;These things
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1428 are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
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1429 Son of God.&rdquo;</p>
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1430 <p>The matter of this Gospel, the knowledge of the divinity of the
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1431 Word, is clear, as well as its order and end.</p>
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1432 <p>11 Then follows the condition of the author, who is described
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1433 above in four ways: as to his name, his virtue, his symbol, and his
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1434 privilege. He is described as to name as John, the author of this
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1435 Gospel. &ldquo;John&rdquo; is interpreted as &ldquo;in whom is
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1436 grace,&rdquo; since the secrets of the divinity cannot be seen
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1437 except by those who have the grace of God within themselves.
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1438 &ldquo;No one knows the deep things of God but the Spirit of
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1439 God&rdquo; (1 Cor 2:11).</p>
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1440 <p>As concerns his virtue, John <span style="font-weight: bold">saw
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1441 the Lord seated,</span> because he was a virgin; for it is fitting
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1442 that such persons see the Lord: &ldquo;Blessed are the pure in
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1443 heart&rdquo; (Mt 5:8).</p>
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1444 <p>He is described as to his symbol, for John is symbolized by an
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1445 eagle. The other three Evangelists, concerned with those things
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1446 which Christ did in his flesh, are symbolized by animals which walk
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1447 on the earth, namely, by a man, a bull calf, and a lion. But John
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1448 flies like an eagle above the cloud of human weakness and looks
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1449 upon the light of unchanging truth with the most lofty and firm
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1450 eyes of the heart. And gazing on the very deity of our Lord Jesus
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1451 Christ, by which he is equal to the Father, he has striven in this
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1452 Gospel to confide this above all, to the extent that he believed
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1453 was sufficient for all. Concerning this flight of John it says in
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1454 Job (39:27): &ldquo;Will the eagle,&rdquo; that is, John,
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1455 &ldquo;fly up at your command?&rdquo; And further on it says,
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1456 &ldquo;His eyes look far away,&rdquo; because the Word of God is
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1457 seen in the bosom of the Father by the eye of the mind.</p>
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1458 <p>John is described as to privilege since, among the other
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1459 disciples of the Lord, John was more loved by Christ. Without
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1460 mentioning his own name John refers to himself below (21:20) as
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1461 &ldquo;the disciple whom Jesus loved.&rdquo; And because secrets
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diff changeset
1462 are revealed to friends, &ldquo;I have called you friends because
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1463 everything I have heard from my father I have made known to
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1464 you&rdquo; (below 15:15), Jesus confided his secrets in a special
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1465 way to that disciple who was specially loved. Thus it says in Job
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1466 (36:32): &ldquo;From the savage,&rdquo; that is, the proud,
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1467 &ldquo;he hides his light,&rdquo; that is, Christ hides the truth
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1468 of his divinity, &ldquo;and shows his friend,&rdquo; that is, John,
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1469 &ldquo;that it belongs to him,&rdquo; since it is John who sees the
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1470 light of the Incarnate Word more excellently and expresses it to
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1471 us, saying &ldquo;He was the true light&rdquo; (below 1:19).</p>
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1472 <p>Now the matter, order, end and author of this Gospel of the
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1473 blessed John are clear.</p>
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1474 </div>
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1475 </blockquote>
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1476 </body>
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1477 </html>