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<\/a>The body as a map of the angels\u2019 mind<\/strong><\/p>\nIn a flight of \u00a0philosophical \u00a0fancy, Dionysius \u00a0the Areopagite uses the <\/em>huma<\/em>n\u00a0<\/em>body as a symbol of the intellectual powers of the heavenly beings, and our <\/em>o<\/em>wn <\/em>similar intellectual powers as <\/em>well.<\/em><\/p>\n I think we can find fitting images of the heavenly powers in the parts of\u00a0our own body.<\/p>\n Vision symbolizes the clear elevation toward the light of God, and the reception of enlightenment from God. The power of distinguishing smells symbolizes being able to receive, as far as possible, the sweet-smelling grace of God, and the ability to distinguish what is not God\u2019s grace and to reject it. Hearing symbolizes consciously receiving and participating in God\u2019s inspiration.<\/p>\n Taste symbolizes the intellectual nourishment that comes in plentiful streams\u00a0from God. Touch symbolizes the skill of deciding what is good or harmful.<\/p>\n Eyelids and eyebrows symbolize guarding the conceptions that see God.<\/p>\n Manhood and youth symbolize the perpetual bloom and vigor of life.<\/p>\n Teeth symbolize dividing the nourishing perfection given to us\u2014for each intellectual being has the ability given by God to divide and multiply the unified idea given to it by the beings above, so that it in turn can elevate the beings below.<\/p>\n The shoulders, elbows, and hands symbolize the power of making, doing, and accomplishing.<\/p>\n The heart symbolizes the Godlike life, sending its own life-giving power out to the objects of its concern, as is fitting for the good. The chest, which is placed above the heart, symbolizes the invincible protection of this life-giving distribution.<\/p>\n The back holds together all the productive powers of life.<\/p>\n The feet symbolize the swift and skillful perpetual movement toward the divine.\u00a0\u2013Dionysius the Areopagite, The Celestial Hierarchy<\/em>, 15.3<\/p>\n IN GOD\u2019S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .<\/strong><\/p>\n Is my own body a fitting symbol of the angelic life? Is every part ordered toward accomplishing God\u2019s will?<\/p>\n CLOSING PRAYER<\/strong><\/p>\n Lord, let me fulfill in my own place, as a member of your spiritual body, your holy <\/em>a<\/em>nd\u00a0<\/em>b<\/em>lessed <\/em>will.<\/em><\/p>\n ___________________________________________________________________________________________
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