Reading the Church Fathers discussion
This topic is about
Commentary on the Gospel According to John, Books 1-10
Origen: Commentary on John
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Day 11: ANF09 I.31-33 or FC80 I.201-208
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FC80 I.208
As bread nourishes
and strengthens and is said to sustain the heart of man, but
wine pleases and cheers and confounds, so the ethical teachings
since they preserve life for the one who learns and carries
them out, are the bread of life (these would not be said to be
the fruit of the vine), but the esoteric and mystical doctrines
come from the "true vine" and are called "wine" because they
cheer and produce ecstasy, being present in those who delight
in the Lord and desire not only to be nourished, but also to
revel in him.
For people like me who don't drink, this passage is very tempting - how exactly does wine "cheer the heart"?
1. Teacher/Interpreter
2. Master and Friend
3. Son
4. Bread and Wine