Origen & Chrysostom on Darkness

Origen & Chrysostom on Darkness

As I was praying tonight, listening to my 90-94 playlist, the Spirit downloaded a couple Scriptures so I looked them up. In my mind, the emphasis would be on the variance between darkness and light. I wanted to do a Word Study, but there are times I don’t get passed the thoughts of the Church Fathers.

Origen

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Peter 2.9, NRSV)

“If you want to exercise the priesthood of your soul, do not let the fire depart from your altar.”[1]

The answer to light and darkness in the Christian life is simple to Origen. Don’t let the fire go out.

By using the word picture of fire at the altar, Origen also covers the bases with the idea of being a priesthood of believers. This is where the light is, at the altar of the holy place, as God establishes His temple among us.

Imagine trying to sacrifice to God without fire, without the light, in utter darkness.

John Chrysostom

‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! (Matthew 6.22-23)

“For just as when the eyes are blinded, some of the ability of the other members is diminished, their light being quenched, so also when the mind is depraved, your life will be filled with countless evils. As therefore in the body it is our aim to keep the eye sound, so also it should be our aim to keep the mind sound in relation to the soul.”[2]

Chrysostom weighs in a little heavily, as he often does.

The absence of light and the presence of darkness signifies a depravity of the mind and soul. There seems to be no limit to the damage darkness can do to the mind and soul.

A dark mind is the breeding ground for “countless evils.”

1st of all, I don’t like spiritual darkness

There have been times I have sensed it, even if I am not fully aware of the ins and outs of the dark arts. I do know when I am experiencing an onslaught of darkness though, and it is not the type of situation I want to walk into. Certainly I do not want to knowingly subject myself to it.

2nd I like Origen’s singular focus

Keep the sacred fire burning. It is easier to tend the coals of the fire rather than to let the fire burn out and attempt to light a new fire in the darkness.

3rd I am disturbed by Chrysostom’s insight into darkness

Darkness is linked to all types of evil and to a depravity of the mind. This is a woeful interpretation hinting at impending doom for those who walk in darkness.

4th these passages are not written to sinners, but to the people of God

“If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” Jesus is speaking to Jews who are being enlightened by His very Word. Peter is speaking to the church. It becomes dangerous when we think we are walking in the light, but we are really shrouded in the dark. How much damage have “Christians” done in the name of Jesus while maintaining dark, ulterior motives?

5th heed the call

I pray the Spirit will empower me to continually answer our Lord’s call, “him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”

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notes:

1. Origen, Sermons on Leviticus IV.6
2. John Chrysostom, The Gospel of Matthew, Homily XX.3