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Office Of Readings | Week 6, Ordinary Time, Sunday | A Reading From The Commentary Of Saint Ephraem On The Diatesseron | The Word Of God Is An Inexhaustible Fountain
‘God’s word is an inexhaustible spring of life.’
This passage from Ephrem the Syrian offers a contemplative and poetic account of the nature of divine revelation, centred on the inexhaustibility of the Word of God. Unlike the more argumentative tone of Latin writers such as Augustine of Hippo or Leo the Great, Ephrem proceeds through imagery and analogy, inviting reflection rather than analysis.
The opening assertion establishes the governing theme: no single word of God can be fully comprehended. This is not presented as a limitation to be overcome, but as a condition intrinsic to the relationship between the finite human mind and divine speech. Ephrem’s comparison with a ‘living spring’ is precise. One drinks truly, yet never exhausts the source. Knowledge of God is therefore real but partial, participatory rather than possessive. The implication is epistemological as well as spiritual: understanding is conditioned by capacity.
This notion is developed through the image of multiplicity. God’s word is said to present ‘different facets’ and ‘many colours’, adapting itself to the disposition of the hearer. Ephrem thus avoids a rigid or uniform conception of meaning. The text of Scripture is not reduced to a single, fixed layer but is understood as bearing manifold significance. This does not imply arbitrariness; rather, it reflects the richness of a divine source that exceeds any one interpretation. Each reader encounters what he is able to receive, without thereby exhausting what is given.
The metaphor of the ‘tree of life’ introduces a further dimension. The Word is not only to be understood but to be received as nourishment. Here Ephrem aligns himself with scriptural imagery, including the account of the rock in the wilderness and its interpretation by Paul the Apostle. The Word sustains life in a manner analogous to food and drink, yet its efficacy is spiritual rather than material. This reinforces the earlier point: engagement with Scripture is not merely intellectual but transformative.
A significant aspect of the passage is its warning against presumption. The one who discovers some insight must not assume completeness. Ephrem identifies a subtle danger: that partial understanding might lead either to pride (imagining the whole has been grasped) or to dismissal (judging the Word insufficient). Both responses are corrected by gratitude. What has been received is to be acknowledged as a genuine participation in a greater whole. The appropriate stance is neither mastery nor scepticism, but receptivity.
The extended comparison with thirst and the spring develops this theme further. Ephrem reverses the expected relation: the goal is not to exhaust the spring, but to be sustained by it. The imagery is carefully chosen. A spring that could be exhausted would ultimately fail to sustain; its very inexhaustibility guarantees ongoing life. Thus, limitation becomes a condition of possibility. Human inability to comprehend fully is not a defect in the Word, but a sign of its plenitude.
The final movement of the text introduces a temporal dimension. What cannot be grasped now may be received later. Growth in understanding is linked to perseverance rather than immediate comprehension. Ephrem resists both impatience and discouragement. The Word yields its riches progressively, in accordance with the maturity of the reader. This suggests a dynamic relationship between Scripture and the believer, one that unfolds over time.
In sum, Ephrem presents a theology of Scripture marked by abundance, adaptability, and depth. The Word of God is not a finite object to be mastered, but a living reality that sustains, challenges, and exceeds the one who approaches it. His emphasis lies in cultivating the appropriate disposition: humility, gratitude, and perseverance before a mystery that remains ever fruitful.
A Reading From The Commentary Of Saint Ephraem On The Diatesseron | The Word Of God Is An Inexhaustible Fountain
Lord, who can comprehend even one of your words. We loose more of it than we grasp, like those who drink from a living spring. For God’s work offers different facets according to the capacity of the listener, and the Lord has portrayed his message in many colors, so that whoever gazes upon it can see in it what suits him. Within it he has buried manifold treasures, so that each of us might grow rich in seeking them out.
The word of God is a tree of life that offers us blessed fruit from each of its branches. It is like that rock which was struck open in the wilderness, from which all were offered spiritual drink. As the Apostle says: They ate spiritual food and they drank spiritual drink.
And so whenever anyone discovers some part of the treasure, he should not think that he has exhausted God’s word. Instead he should feel that this is all that he was able to find of the wealth contained in it. Nor should he say that the word is weak and sterile or look down on it simply because this portion was all that he happened to find. But precisely because he could not capture it all he should give thanks for its riches.
Be glad then that you are overwhelmed, and do not be saddened because he has overcome you. A thirsty man is happy when he is drinking, and he is not depressed because he cannot exhaust the spring. So let this spring quench your thirst, and not you thirst the spring. For from it you can satisfy your thirst without exhausting the spring, then when you thirst again you can drink from it once more; but if when your thirst is sated the spring is also dried up, then your victory would turn to your own harm.
Be thankful then for what you have received, and do not be saddened at all that such an abundance still remains. What you have received and attained is your present share, while what is left will be your heritage. For what you could not take at one time because of your weakness, you will be able to grasp at another if you only persevere. So do not foolishly try to drain in one draught what cannot be consumed all at once, and do not cease out of faintheartedness from what you will be able to absorb as time goes on.
Christian Prayer With Jesus Christ
O God,
whose word is living and inexhaustible,
like a spring that never fails,
grant that we may draw from it with humility and joy.
Teach us to receive what you give,
without pride in what we understand
or discouragement at what we do not.
Open our minds and hearts,
that we may find nourishment in your truth
and grow steadily in wisdom and faith.
Give us perseverance,
that returning again and again to your word,
we may be formed by it
and brought at last to the fullness of life in Jesus Christ.
Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen
Glossary Of Christian Terms
Word of God
God’s self-communication to humanity, especially through Scripture and supremely in Jesus Christ.
Scripture
The sacred writings of the Bible, regarded as inspired by God and authoritative for faith and life.
Revelation
The act by which God makes himself known to humanity, both through creation and more fully through Scripture and Christ.
Inspiration
The belief that the authors of Scripture were guided by the Holy Spirit in such a way that their writings convey God’s truth.
Mystery
A divine reality that cannot be fully comprehended by human reason but can be known in part through faith.
Grace
The free gift of God’s life and help, enabling understanding, growth, and transformation.
Spiritual Nourishment
The sustenance of the soul through engagement with God’s word, prayer, and the life of faith.
Humility
The recognition of one’s limits before God, especially in matters of knowledge and understanding.
Perseverance
Steadfastness in faith and practice, particularly in continuing to seek and receive God’s word over time.
Discernment
The ability to perceive and judge rightly in spiritual matters, especially in interpreting Scripture.
Living Water
A biblical image for the life-giving grace of God, often associated with the Spirit and the sustaining power of divine truth.
Tree of Life
A symbol of divine life and blessing, used to describe the sustaining and fruitful nature of God’s word.
Spiritual Understanding
Insight into divine truths that goes beyond literal meaning, involving the transformation of the inner person.
Tradition
The living transmission of the Church’s teaching and interpretation of Scripture across generations.
Contemplation
A form of prayerful reflection in which the mind rests in attentive awareness of God and divine truth.
Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
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