Catholicity

Ecclesiology

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your
calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all,
who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4, 4-5

My Explications of the Patristic Texts

Tertullian (A.D. 197)
Apology, 39:1

“I shall at once go on to exhibit the peculiarities of the Christian society, that, as I have refuted
the evil charged against it, I may point out its positive good. We are a body knit together by a
common religious profession, unity of discipline, and the bond of a common hope. We meet
together as an assembly and congregation, offering up prayer to God with united force, and we
may wrestle with Him in our supplications. This violence God delights in…We assemble to read
our sacred writings if any peculiarity of the times makes either forewarning or reminiscence
needful. However, in that respect, with the sacred words we nourish our faith, we animate
our hope, we make our confidence more steadfast; and no less by inculcating God’s precepts
we confirm good habits.”

In this passage, Tertullian, an early Christian theologian, emphasizes the unique characteristics and benefits of the Christian community. He begins by acknowledging the criticisms directed at it but quickly pivots to highlight the positive aspects that define Christian society.

Tertullian describes Christians as a “body” united by shared beliefs and practices. This suggests a deep sense of camaraderie and collective identity that transcends individual differences. The mention of “common religious profession” underscores faith’s foundational role in bringing members together, while “unity of discipline” implies a commitment to shared moral and ethical standards.

The gathering of Christians for prayer illustrates the importance of community in their spiritual life. Tertullian notes that they come together to “offer up prayer to God with united force,” suggesting that collective prayer is more powerful and meaningful than individual prayers. This idea of wrestling with God in prayer conveys a sense of passionate and earnest devotion, indicating that such fervency is a way to engage deeply with the divine.

The writer highlights the practice of reading sacred writings, indicating that scripture is central to the Christian experience. He suggests that this reading serves as a way to reflect on current circumstances by providing warnings or reminding the community of their beliefs. It shows the dual role of scripture in both guidance and comfort. Moreover, the passage underlines the role of sacred texts in “nourishing” faith and “animating” hope. This metaphor implies that just as food sustains the body, scripture also nurtures the spirit, making belief more robust and hope more vibrant.

Tertullian emphasizes that Christians can cultivate good habits through the teachings of God’s precepts. This highlights the practical implications of their faith, suggesting that belief should lead to moral living and ethical behavior. Confirming good habits indicates a transformative aspect of religion that actively shapes individual character and community standards.

Overall, Tertullian captures the essence of Christian life as deeply communal, rooted in prayer and scripture, and aimed at fostering individual and collective growth in faith and morality. His work promotes a positive vision of Christianity as a source of strength, hope, and good conduct.

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Origen (A.D. 244)
Commentary on Matthew, Tract 30

“We are not to give heed to those who say, Behold here is Christ, but show him not in the Church,
which is filled with brightness from the East even unto the West; which is filled with true light; is
the ‘pillar and ground of truth’; in which, as a whole, is the whole advent of the Son of Man, who
saith to all men throughout the universe, ‘Behold, I am with you all the days of life even unto the
consumption of the world.’”

This excerpt from Origen’s Commentary on Matthew emphasizes the importance of recognizing Christ’s true presence within the Church rather than being swayed by individuals who claim to have found Him elsewhere. The phrase “Behold here is Christ” suggests that some may present alternative interpretations or locations for encountering Christ, but the author warns against these distractions.

By describing the Church as “filled with brightness from the East even unto the West,” Origen conveys a sense of divine illumination and truth that permeates the entire faith community. This imagery highlights the universal nature of Christ’s presence in the Church, suggesting that true enlightenment and guidance come from within its teachings and traditions.

The designation of the Church as the “pillar and ground of truth” reinforces its foundational role in preserving and proclaiming Christian beliefs. This metaphor indicates stability and support for the faith, underscoring the idea that the Church is essential for understanding the true nature of Christ and His teachings.

Finally, the reference to the advent of the Son of Man and His promise to be present “all the days of life even unto the consumption of the world” conveys a message of hope and reassurance. It suggests that Christ’s presence is not confined to a specific moment in time or place but is a continual source of strength and guidance for believers throughout their lives and beyond. Overall, Origen encourages followers to remain steadfast in their faith and to seek Christ through the Church, which holds the fullness of truth and divine presence.

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Cyprian of Carthage (A.D. 251)
On Unity, 6

“The spouse of Christ cannot be adulterous; she is uncorrupted and pure. She knows one home;
she guards with chaste modesty the sanctity of one couch. She keeps us for God. She appoints the
sons whom she has born for the kingdom. Whoever is separated from the Church and is joined to
an adulteress is separated from the promises of the Church, nor can he who forsakes the Church of
Christ attain the rewards of Christ. He is a stranger; he is profane; he is an enemy. He can no
longer have God for his Father, who has not the Church for his mother. If anyone could escape who
was outside the ark of Noah, then he also may escape who shall be outside of the Church. The
Lord warns, saying, ‘He who is not with me is against me, and he who gathereth not with me
scattereth.’”

Cyprian’s “On Unity” is a pivotal work that addresses the nature of the Church and the importance of unity among Christians. In this treatise, Cyprian emphasizes that the Church is the Body of Christ, and its unity is essential for the faithful’s salvation.

One key theme is the concept of the Church as the “spouse of Christ,” which Cyprian describes as pure and unadulterated. This metaphor highlights the sanctity and commitment expected from the Church and its members. The Church is portrayed as a protector of its members, safeguarding their faith and guiding them toward a relationship with God.

Cyprian argues that separation from the Church equates to separation from Christ and, consequently, from salvation. He stresses that those who turn away from the Church are not merely choosing a different path but are placing themselves outside the grace and promises that come from being part of God’s community. This idea reinforces the notion that the Church is essential for a believer’s spiritual life and relationship with God.

The mention of Noah’s ark serves as a significant metaphor for the Church’s role as the vessel of salvation. Just as those outside the ark perished during the flood, so too will those who distance themselves from the Church face spiritual peril. This allegory underlines the urgency of remaining within the communal bounds established by God.

Cyprian’s assertion that “he who is not with me is against me” highlights the dichotomy in Christian life: one must be actively engaged in the Church to be aligned with Christ. This call to unity is about avoiding division and actively contributing to the collective mission of spreading the Gospel.

In essence, “On Unity” strongly urges Christians to recognize the Church’s importance and remain steadfast in their faith. Cyprian’s reflections on unity, community, and the Church’s necessity continue to resonate, providing a framework for understanding the relationship between individual believers and the larger body of the Church throughout Christian history.

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Hilary of Poitiers (A.D. 355)
Commentary on Matthew 5:13

“But neither should a lamp, once it is lit, be concealed under a bushel. What benefit is possessing
something that provides light in a concealed area? Yet the Lord appropriately compared a bushel
to the synagogue, which maintained a sure means of measuring all its observances as it eagerly
welcomed the fruits that were brought. Despite all the fruit that was brought, it was empty,
though not capable of hiding the light. And thus, the lamp of Christ should not be hidden under a
bushel or under the concealing cover of the synagogue. Rather, it is highlighted in his sufferings
on the tree, offering eternal light to those who will dwell in the Church. In a similar light, the
apostles are also admonished to sign so that in admiration of their works, praise may be rendered
to God.”

The commentary by Hilary of Poitiers reflects on Jesus’ metaphor of a lamp and its significance in relation to faith and public witness. He emphasizes the importance of visibility in displaying one’s faith, likening it to a lamp that must shine rather than be hidden under a bushel. This idea stresses that the teachings and sacrifices of Christ should not be concealed but rather showcased for others to see.

Bishop Hilary points out that the synagogue, while a place of worship, can sometimes become a metaphorical bushel when it fails to fully embrace the light of Christ. Despite its role in observing traditions and rituals, if it does not allow Christ’s transformative light to shine, it risks becoming empty and ineffective. This imagery critiques religious practices that do not inspire true faith or connection to God’s light.

Further, he encourages the faithful in the form of apostles to act as beacons of light through their works and deeds so that their lives may lead others to praise God. Their visible faith and the manifestation of Christ’s light through their actions should inspire others to seek the same light. In essence, this commentary is a call to action for believers to let their faith be known and to live in a manner that reflects the light of Christ, bringing hope and inspiration to those around them.

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Basil the Great (A.D. 375)
Commentary on Isaiah, 2:66

“‘And in the last days the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be prepared on the top of the
mountains’ The house of the Lord, ‘prepared on the top of the mountains,’ is the church, according
to the declaration of the apostle, ‘Know,’ he says, ‘how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the
house of God, which is the church of the living God’ Whose foundations are on the holy
mountains, for it is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. One also of these
mountains was Peter, upon which the rock the Lord promised to build his church.”

Basil’s commentary on Isaiah often explores the themes of prophecy, divine judgment, and the establishment of God’s kingdom. He emphasizes the significance of the prophetic words regarding the mountain of the house of the Lord, which can be interpreted as the establishment of the church.

In the context of Isaiah, Basil likely highlights the idea that the mountain represents a place of worship and refuge, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. The imagery of a mountain signifies stability and prominence, suggesting that the church is meant to stand out as a beacon of hope and faith in a world that may often seem chaotic.

The author also delves into the importance of the church’s foundation, drawing connections to the apostles and prophets mentioned in the original text you provided. He affirms that the church is built upon the teachings and sacrifices of early church leaders, with Peter as a pivotal figure, reinforcing the idea that Christ established His church on a solid, divinely ordained foundation.

Furthermore, he suggests how this establishment on holy mountains calls believers to holiness and a higher standard of living, aligning their lives with the teachings of Christ and the early church. Basil would affirm the idea that through the church, believers are invited into a transformative relationship with God, moving them from mere followers to active participants in the divine plan.

Basil’s commentary would underscore the theological implications of Isaiah’s prophecy for the church and the believer’s role within it, emphasizing its establishment and purpose in God’s overarching narrative for humanity.

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Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 400)
Answer to Letters of Petilian, 2:38

“Petilianus said: ‘If you declare that you hold the Catholic Church, the word ‘catholic’ is merely the
Greek equivalent for entire or whole. But it is clear that you are not on the whole because you
have gone aside into the part.’ Augustine answered: I too indeed have attained to a very slight
knowledge of the Greek language, scarcely to be called knowledge at all, yet I am not shameless
in saying that I know that means not ‘one,’ but ‘the whole;’ and that means “according to the
whole:” whence the Catholic Church received its name, according to the saying of the Lord, ‘It is
not for you to know the times, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive
power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in
Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria, and even in the whole earth.’ Here you have the origin of
the name ‘Catholic.’”

In Augustine’s response to Petilianus, he engages with the meaning of the term “Catholic” and its significance concerning the Church. Petilianus claims that by identifying themselves as part of the Catholic Church, they are implying a sense of universality or wholeness that Augustine’s group does not possess, suggesting that they have deviated into a “part” rather than embracing the entirety of the Church.

Augustine counters this assertion by highlighting the Greek origin of the term “catholic,” which indeed translates to “whole” or “entire.” He acknowledges his limited knowledge of Greek but confidently asserts that the term signifies an encompassing unity. By employing a biblical reference, Augustine underscores the mission of the Church as intended to reach all corners of the earth, which further supports the idea of the Church being “whole.”

He references Jesus’ words that highlight the apostles’ role as witnesses to the gospel in various regions, symbolizing a broad mission. This reference not only emphasizes the universality of the Church but also legitimizes its identity as “Catholic” in contrast to sectarian groups.

In short, Augustine’s answer defends the legitimacy of the term “Catholic” by explaining that it refers to a complete and universal Church, countering Petilianus’s argument that divides the Church into fragments.

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Cyril of Alexandria (ante A.D. 429)
Commentary on Isaias

“For the church is lofty, conspicuous, and well known to all men everywhere. It is also lofty in
another sense, for her thoughts have nothing earthly, but she is above all that is earthly and,
with the eyes of the understanding, looks upon, as far as it is possible, the glory of God and
glories in doctrines truly exalted, concerning God … Wherefore, with justice may the house of God
be called a mountain (known) by the understanding, and it is perfectly visible, as being raised
upon the hills; and one may say of it, and with great cause, what as a notable illustration was
uttered by the mouth of the Saviour: ‘A city placed upon a hill cannot be hidden’”

Cyril’s Commentary on Isaias provides a profound exploration of the themes and messages contained within the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. Cyril often emphasizes the significance of prophecy and the role of the Messiah, focusing on how Isaiah’s words prepare the way for Christ.

Cyril highlights how the prophecies of Isaiah are not merely historical predictions but are fulfilled in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. He elaborates on specific passages that point directly to the coming of the Messiah, his birth, suffering, and ultimate victory over sin. In his commentary, Cyril reflects on the attributes of God emphasized in Isaiah’s writings. He discusses God’s holiness, justice, and mercy, revealing how these attributes interplay throughout the biblical narrative and how they are ultimately revealed in Christ.

Further, the author draws on the imagery from Isaiah to illustrate the elevation and visibility of the Church, akin to a mountain that stands high above the landscape. This metaphor signifies the Church’s role as a beacon of light and truth, guiding believers toward a deeper understanding of God.

Cyril emphasizes the moral teachings in Isaiah, urging readers to live according to God’s will. He interprets Isaiah’s calls for justice, righteousness, and repentance as timeless appeals relevant to the Christian community. A recurring theme in Cyril’s commentary is the hope of restoration. He emphasizes that despite present trials and tribulations, Isaiah’s prophecies anticipate a future where God will restore His people and establish peace and justice.

Cyril’s Commentary on Isaias serves as a theological reflection that intertwines themes of prophecy, the nature of God, the role of the Church, and the call to lead a righteous life. All of these themes culminate in the hope brought by Christ’s redemptive work. This commentary helps believers understand the text and encourages them to embody the truths it presents.

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‘He that is not with me is against me:
and he that gathers not with me scatters.’
Luke 11, 23

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Pax vobiscum