A hierarchy of merit – or demerit; Angels: Day 016

A hierarchy of merit – or demerit

The hierarchy of  angels, Origen says, must be arranged according to the merit of each angel. Likewise,  the hierarchy of demons must be arranged according to the wickedness of each demon.

All we need to know to demonstrate the impartiality and righteousness of God is this: that, as the Apostle Paul declares, “there is no partiality with him” (Eph. 6:9), but instead he disposes everything according to the deserts and moral progress of each individual.

So, then, the angelic office does not exist except because of their desert; nor do Powers exercise power except by virtue of their moral progress; nor do those which are called Thrones (that is, the powers of judging and ruling) administer their powers unless by merit; nor do Dominions rule undeservedly—for that great and distinguished order of rational creatures among celestial beings is arranged in a glorious variety of offices.

And we can say the same of those opposing influences that have given them- selves up to such places and offices, that they derive the property by which they are made Principalities, or Powers, or rulers of the darkness of the world, or spirits of wickedness, or malignant spirits, or unclean demons, not from their essential nature, or from having been created that way; but that they have obtained these degrees in evil in proportion to their conduct, and the progress they made in wickedness. –Origen, De Principiis, 1.8,4

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Am I striving to make progress in the spiritual life, corresponding to God’s grace, so that I may occupy a place close to the angels?

CLOSING PRAYER

Angels of God, teach me to imitate your progress. Help me to go with God’s grace, from glory to glory.

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