Chapter 2, Questions for Understanding

[smithm29]

Originally Posted by smithm29

2:11
The three gifts of the Magi have been understood as having symbolic and spiritual significance. On an allegorical level, how does St. Irenaus understand these gifts? On a moral level, how does St. Gregory the Great understand their meaning?

In Pope Gregory's Homilies, he says that the treasures represent the gifts we present to Christ in our daily lives. Gold is Christ's wisdom, which shines in us. Frankincense is the prayer and adoration we give him, and myrrh is our daily self sacrifice.

[odhiambo]

Originally Posted by rcjones

Just the quick parallels:

The things I noticed was that Herod and Balaam were compromisers. Balaam had suggested to lead the Israelites into fornication, Herod was confronted with his fornication and compromised with Rome.

Then there are three confrontations with the donkey, and three with Herod:

Luke 3:19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, 20 Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

A threat of death in a shadow is a symbol of death. Balaam threatens the donkey, and John is killed.

The donkey did not die, living after a threat of death is usually a symbol of resurrection, but here the donkey continues to talk after the threat, just as Herod is haunted by the words of John after his death.

‘Balaam’ means not of the people. Herod was not fully Jewish.

The donkey saw the sword (word), John saw the word of God. The donkey went into the field, John harvested among Israel..

The path was between vineyards, just as John ministered between the old wine and the new.

The donkey cast herself into the wall. The root means to bore for water. John prepared the way for the living water.

The donkey crushed his foot, (squeezed or judged his walk) John confronted his evil ways.

I am all at sea here!

[odhiambo]

Originally Posted by smithm29

In Pope Gregory's Homilies, he says that the treasures represent the gifts we present to Christ in our daily lives. Gold is Christ's wisdom, which shines in us. Frankincense is the prayer and adoration we give him, and myrrh is our daily self sacrifice.

Wow!