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Office Of Readings | Week 1, Friday, Ordinary Time | A Reading From The Discourse Of Saint Athanasius Against The Gentiles | Through The Word A Truly Divine Harmony Is Reached In All Things
‘The Word creates a divine harmony in creation.’
Saint Athanasius invites us to see creation not as a collection of disconnected parts, but as a single, living harmony held together by the Word of God. He begins with the words of Saint John’s Gospel: All things were made through him. This is the foundation of Christian faith about the world. Nothing exists by chance; everything exists because the Word – the Son of God – calls it into being and sustains it.
To help us grasp this mystery, Athanasius uses simple and beautiful images. He compares the universe to a lyre in the hands of a musician. Different notes, high and low, would be discordant if left to themselves. But in the hands of a skilled player they are brought into order and produce music. In the same way, the Word of God brings order, proportion, and meaning to the whole of creation.
Another image is that of a choir. People of different ages and voices sing together. Each sings according to his own nature, yet under one conductor they create a single harmony. The world, Athanasius says, is like this choir. Every creature has its own place and task, but all are directed by one divine will.
These examples teach an important truth. Diversity in creation is not a problem to be solved; it is part of God’s design. The many forms of life, the variety of peoples and cultures, the different gifts within the Church – all are meant to contribute to one harmonious whole. Unity does not destroy difference; it brings difference into right order.
Athanasius also reminds us that the Word does not struggle to govern creation. He ‘gives a gesture of command and everything falls into place’. The universe does not hold itself together by its own strength. It remains in being because the Word continually sustains it.
For Christians, this vision has practical meaning. If the Word of God brings harmony to the whole world, he can also bring harmony to our own lives. Where there is confusion, disorder, or conflict, he can restore balance. To live in faith is to allow our thoughts, actions, and desires to be tuned to his will, as notes are tuned to a musician’s hand.
The reading therefore calls us to wonder and gratitude. Creation is not a silent machine but a symphony directed by the living Word. To recognise this is to see the world with new eyes – as a place filled with meaning, order, and the quiet presence of God.
A Reading From The Discourse Of Saint Athanasius Against The Gentiles | Through The Word A Truly Divine Harmony Is Reached In All Things
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made. In these words John the theologian teaches that nothing exists or remains in being except in and through the Word.
Think of a musician tuning his lyre. By his skill he adjusts high notes to low and intermediate notes to the rest, and produces a series of harmonies. So too the wisdom of God holds the world like a lyre and joins things in the air to those on earth, and things in heaven to those in the air, and brings each part into harmony with the whole. By his decree and will he regulates them all to produce the beauty and harmony of a single, well-ordered universe. While remaining unchanged with his Father, he moves all creation by his unchanging nature, according to the Father’s will. To everything he gives existence and life in accordance with its nature, and so creates a wonderful and truly divine harmony.
To illustrate this profound mystery, let us take the example of a choir of many singers. A choir is composed of a variety of men, women and children, of both old and young. Under the direction of one conductor, each sings in the way that is natural for him: men with men’s voices, boys with boys’ voices, old people with old voices, young people with young voices. Yet all of them produce a single harmony. Or consider the example of our soul. It moves our senses according to their several functions so that in the presence of a single object they all act simultaneously: the eye sees, the ear hears, the hand touches, the nose smells, the tongue tastes, and often the other parts of the body act as well as, for example, the feet may walk.
Although this is only a poor comparison, it gives some idea of how the whole universe is governed. The Word of God has but to give a gesture of command and everything falls into place; each creature performs its own proper function, and all together constitute one single harmonious order.
Christian Prayer With Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus Christ,
eternal Word of the Father,
you created all things and hold them in being.
Bring your harmony into our lives
and order into our hearts.
Teach us to live in unity with one another
and in peace with all creation,
that our lives may give praise to you,
who live and reign forever and ever.
Amen
Glossary Of Christian Terms
The Word | The Son of God, through whom all things were made and in whom all creation is sustained.
Creation | The entire universe and everything in it, brought into being by God.
Harmony | The ordered unity of different parts working together as one whole.
Wisdom of God | The divine reason and purpose by which God guides and governs all things.
Incarnation | The mystery of the Word of God becoming man in Jesus Christ.
Providence | God’s continual care and guidance of the world he has made.
Divine will | God’s intention and purpose, by which he directs all creation.
Order | The arrangement of created things according to God’s plan.
Nature | The particular character and purpose given to each creature by God.
Gospel of John | The New Testament book that proclaims the Word made flesh and his role in creation and salvation.
The Sermon on the Mount continues with Christ’s call to reconciliation and forgiveness. Jesus urgently wishes the Jews to be at peace among themselves, and he implores his listeners not to aggravate the Roman oppressors, whose utter brutality in suppressing dissent would indeed ultimately destroy Jerusalem. (We should remember that, prior to AD 70, thousands of Jews could be crucified at just one go to suppress insurrectionary threats.) Just as God’s love is for everyone, so we should see everyone as being our neighbour. This is the truth of the teaching of Levitus (19:18): ‘You shall love your neighbour.’ [ … ]
We have heard Christ’s teachings, the clearest declarations of his divinity as God the Son, and his parables; we have witnessed his signs and miracles; and we have suffered and rejoiced through his death and resurrection. We know too that it is through the gift of the Holy Spirit that we are called to believe, and enabled to do so [ … ]
Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ In this passage, Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened. Jesus promises rest and relief, urging us to take his yoke and learn from him. Jesus’ gentle and humble heart offers rest for our souls, emphasizing that his yoke is easy and his burden light. This passage is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ, who offers us rest and peace amid our struggles. Prayer Dear Jesus, In times of uncertainty and despair, I turn to you, the source of all hope. Fill my heart with your hope that transcends understanding. Help me to trust in your promises and to find joy and peace in your presence. May your hope renew my spirit and give me the strength to face each day with confidence and faith. Let your hope shine through me, bringing light to others who are in need. Amen. Personal Reflection What are the situations in your life that seem hopeless? How can you invite Jesus’ hope into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced renewed hope through your faith in Christ. Meditation On The Prayer And Gospel Matthew 11:28-30 is a passage that speaks directly to our need for hope and rest. Jesus’ invitation to come to him is extended to all who are weary and burdened, offering a refuge from the struggles of life. This invitation is not just a call to physical rest but a deeper spiritual rest that brings peace to our souls. Jesus understands the burdens we carry and offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. The imagery of a yoke suggests partnership and guidance; by taking on his yoke, we align ourselves with him, allowing him to share our burdens and guide our steps. This partnership is marked by learning from Jesus, whose gentle and humble heart sets an example for us. The promise of rest for our souls is comforting. In a world where we often feel overwhelmed and stressed, Jesus assures us that he is our source of true rest and peace. His rest is not temporary or superficial but a peace that sustains us through life’s challenges. This promise gives us hope, knowing that no matter what we face, we can find solace in Jesus. Reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of surrendering our burdens to Jesus. It requires trust and faith to let go of our anxieties and allow him to take control. This surrender is an act of faith, acknowledging that Jesus is capable and willing to carry our burdens. As we learn to trust him more, we experience the peace and rest he promises. The hope we find in Jesus is transformative. It renews our spirits and gives us the strength to persevere. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the nature of Jesus and his promises. It is a hope that empowers us to face each day with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. As we embrace this hope, we are called to share it with others. The hope we receive from Jesus is not meant to be kept to ourselves but to be a light for others who are struggling. Through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and simply being present, we can extend Jesus’ invitation of hope and rest to those around us. By living out this hope, we reflect Christ’s love and bring his light into the world. In practical terms, fostering hope involves daily practices that keep us connected to Jesus. Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and being part of a faith community help us to stay grounded in our faith and renew our hope. These practices remind us of Jesus’ promises and keep our focus on him rather than on our circumstances. Prayer Lord Jesus, You are the anchor of my hope. In moments of doubt and despair, remind me of your promises. Fill my heart with your joy and peace, and let your hope overflow in my life. Help me to trust in your plans and to find strength in your presence. May your hope shine in me, guiding me through every trial and illuminating the path ahead. Use me as a beacon of your hope, bringing comfort and encouragement to those in need. Thank you for the gift of your eternal hope. Amen. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’ Blessing May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. May you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, and may His hope guide and sustain you in all things. Amen.
