A regular reader has requested me to develop my frequent use of the term, The Word as it relates to the divine mystery.
The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus is credited with coining the term Λόγος, (The Logos) to describe the creating reality behind all that is, and can ever become. Without entering into another discourse in the Greek language Logos can be transliterated as The Word, or The Reason (for all that is).
The Apostle John introduces his readers to his understanding of The Word in the prologue of the first chapter of his gospel:
In the beginning was the one
who is called the Word.
The Word was with God
and was truly God.
2 From the very beginning
the Word was with God.
3 And with this Word,
God created all things.
Nothing was made
without the Word.
In the Christian tradition the word of God predictably refers to Holy Scripture. Taking a further step into our understandings it is also a matter of human record that The Word evidences the living presence of the divine mystery, within the life of every human person.
The Old Testament also testifies to the awareness among Israelites of the term, The Word as it relates to Our Father's creating mystery:
τῷ λόγῳ τοῦ κυρίου οἱ οὐρανοὶ ἐστερεώθησαν καὶ τῷ πνεύματι τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ πᾶσα ἡ δύναμις αὐτῶν
By the word of the Lord were the heavens established, and all the host of them by the spirit of his mouth ~ Psalm 33:6
Thus, predating the Christian era, The Word has been recognised as the creating mystery,
known to Christians as The Word made flesh, personified in Jesus of Nazareth.
The mystic Hildegard of Bingen wrote in depth of her relationship with The Word using poetic language to describe her understandings.
Ones understandings of the influence of The Word on our life can only be appreciated
through a personal relationship with The Word, made flesh.
There is no other way.
“I so loved the nobility of your character, your wisdom, your chastity, your spirit, and indeed every aspect of your life that many people have said to me: What are you doing?” ~ Hildegard of Bingen
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