“Then Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” (Lk 24:25)
St. John Chrysostom:
“Delectable indeed are the meadow, and the garden, but far more
delectable the study of the divine writings. For there indeed are
flowers which fade, but here are thoughts which abide in full bloom;
there is the gentle breeze, but here the breath of the Spirit: there is
the hedge of thorns, but here is the guarding providence of God; there
is the song of cicadae*, but here the melody of the prophets: there is
the pleasure which comes from sight, but here the profit which comes
from study. The garden is confined to one place, but the Scriptures are
in all parts of the world; the garden is subject to the necessities of
the seasons, but the Scriptures are rich in foliage, and laden with
fruit alike in winter and in summer. Let us then give diligent heed to
the study of the Scriptures: for if you do this the Scripture will expel
your despondency, and engender pleasure, extirpate vice, and make
virtue take root, and in the tumult of life it will save you from
suffering like those who are tossed by troubled waves. The sea rages but
you will sail on with calm weather; for you have the study of the
Scriptures for your pilot; for this is the cable which the trials of
life do not break asunder.” (St. John Chrysostom, (347-407). Homily II, On Eutropius)
*ci·ca·dae
(sĭ-kā-dÉ™) A large insect whose species are easily distinguishable by
song… Most North American cicadas produce rhythmical ticks, buzzes, or
whines, though the “song” of some species is musical.
