Jesus, the Divine Wisdom, by St. Athanasius


"Because God did not wish to be known any longer through the image and sign of living wisdom to be found in created things, as happened in former times, it was His will that Wisdom itself would become flesh, and that, having been made man, He would suffer death on the cross; so that in all the days to come, everyone who believed in Him could be saved through their faith in the cross. In former times, the Wisdom of God stamped his seal on all created things – and the presence of His sign is the reason why we called them 'created’ – to reveal himself and so make his Father known. But later, this same Wisdom, who is the Word, was made flesh, as St John says; and having overcome death and saved the human race, He revealed himself in a clearer way and, through himself, revealed the Father" (St. Athanasius, Contra arianos, 2, 81-82).

St. Athanasius the Great explains the transition in how God reveals Himself to humanity. He argues that while God previously revealed His "Wisdom" indirectly through the natural world, He later chose a more direct and perfect revelation through the Incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Revelation Through Creation

In "former times," God's Wisdom was evident in the created world. Athanasius states that God "stamped his seal on all created things." This means that the order, beauty, and intricate design of the universe were a reflection of God's divine Wisdom. Humanity could come to know God and His Father by observing and contemplating the created order.

The New Revelation Through the Incarnation

Athanasius says that God "did not wish to be known any longer" in this former, indirect way. This doesn't mean the old way was bad, but rather that a more profound and complete method was necessary. God willed that His Wisdom, now identified as the Word (Jesus Christ), would "become flesh." This Incarnation represents a shift from an indirect revelation (through creation) to a direct and personal one (through a person).

The Significance of the Cross

The ultimate act of this new revelation is the death of Christ on the cross. For Athanasius, the cross is the culmination of God's self-revelation and the means of salvation. By becoming man and suffering death, the Divine Wisdom not only revealed God in a "clearer way" but also conquered death and redeemed humanity. Through faith in the cross, humanity is now saved, having received a full and direct knowledge of both the Son and the Father. The Incarnation and the Cross are thus the definitive, and more perfect, means of knowing God.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2025 09 14 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time & The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: The Paradox of the Crucifixion in Scripture

Image
Credits:  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/feast-of-the-exaltation-of-the-holy-cross.html In light of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, our readings for today connect Numbers 21:4b-9, Philippians 2:6-11, and John 3:13-17 through the central theme of the exaltation of the cross , which transforms a symbol of humiliation into a sign of victory and salvation. Humiliation and Exaltation In the first reading, the Israelites' rebellion leads to a deadly plague of venomous snakes. God's remedy is to have Moses mount a bronze serpent on a pole, which becomes a sign of healing. The low point of suffering and death is linked to a remedy that brings life. In the second reading, St. Paul teaches that Jesus, who is God, "empties himself" (a concept known as kenosis ). He takes on the form of a servant and becomes obedient to the point of a shameful death on a cross. Because of this self-humiliation, God "greatly exalted him" and gave him a n...
Read more

21 December 2025, The Fourth Advent Sunday - Emmanuel: the Promise Kept

Image
Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A: First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7 Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24 Common Themes and Catechism Connections The readings for this Sunday converge on the pivotal moment of history where ancient prophecy meets reality: the Incarnation of God. 1. The Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Virgin Birth The central thread connecting Isaiah and Matthew is the miraculous sign of the Virgin Birth. Isaiah prophesies to King Ahaz that "the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son" (Is 7:14). Matthew explicitly identifies the conception of Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy (Mt 1:22-23).  CCC 497: The Catechism cites Matthew 1:18-25 and Isaiah 7:14, teaching that the Gospel accounts understand the virginal conception as a divine work that surpasses all human understanding and fulfills the promise given to Israel. CCC 498: Mentions that the silence of St. Mark's gospel and the New Testament Epistles regarding the vir...
Read more

09/28/2025 - The Sin of Indifference: Wealth, Justice, and Eternal Judgment

Image
Credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/artisticco?mediatype=illustration The common themes of the three readings for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C , on September 28, 2025, according to Catholic teachings, revolve around wealth and poverty, the condemnation of selfish indifference, and the call to social justice and moral responsibility. The readings are: First Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4–7 Second Reading: 1 Timothy 6:11–16 Gospel: Luke 16:19–31 (The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus) Condemnation of Selfish Indifference and Complacency All three readings harshly critique those who are preoccupied with their own comfort and luxury while remaining uncaring and indifferent to the suffering of the poor. In the first reading , Amos proclaims his third "Woe". This time against the complacent wealthy in Zion who indulge in extravagant living ("beds of ivory," "eat the lambs," "drink win...
Read more