[Note: As we approach the commemoration of the annunciation to St.
Mary, we will focus on the Exodus chapter dealing with the Tabernacle which St.
Gregory contemplates as prefiguring Christ Jesus and His incarnation - “tabernacle
is in a way both unfashioned and fashioned, uncreated in preexistence but
created in having received this material composition”. We will resume the
usual sequence after this and the mid-lent posting]
Scripture Reading: Exodus chapters 25-27, 35-38 and 40
Brief outline of the chapters: In Exodus 25-27, God provides Moses with detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The Israelites are commanded to bring offerings of gold, silver, and other fine materials. Specific plans are given for the Ark of the Covenant, the Table for the Bread of Presence, the Golden Lampstand, the structure of the Tabernacle, the Altar of Burnt Offering, the courtyard, and the oil for the lampstand.
In Exodus 35-38, the actual construction of the Tabernacle begins.
Moses calls for offerings and skilled workers, and the people respond
generously. Bezalel and Oholiab lead the construction.
Finally, in Exodus 40, God instructs Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month. Moses follows the instructions meticulously; the Tabernacle is completed, and the glory of the Lord fills the Tabernacle. [St. Gregory of Nyssa's commentary focuses on the Tabernacle and its construction which forms the core of chapters 25-27, 35-38 and 40]
Lessons from St. Gregory of Nyssa (‘Life of Moses’):
St. Gregory
reflects on the journey of Moses atop Mount Sinai. Moses leaves behind people
at the base of the mountain signifying their lack of preparation for such a
spiritual climb. As Moses ascends, he encounters the sound of trumpets.
Subsequently, he enters the ‘luminous darkness’ signifying a deeper
understanding of God. However, the ascent does not stop there; it culminates in
reaching the ultimate spiritual height, the “tabernacle not made with hands”.
St. Gregory
reflects on the 'tabernacle not made with hands' shown to Moses on the
mountain, which Moses was instructed to replicate in a handmade structure. “And
see that you make them according to the pattern for them, which is being shown
you on the mountain.” (Exodus 25:40)”
The structure
featured gold pillars with silver bases. Additionally, there were pillars with
bronze bases, while their shafts were made of silver. All pillars had a core of
rot-resistant wood, and the entire ensemble was illuminated by the radiance of
these precious metals. There was an ark constructed from wood that does not rot
and covered with pure gold. There was a candlestick with a single base, divided
at its top into seven branches, each holding a lamp. The candlestick was made
of solid gold. Furthermore, there was an altar, a throne of mercy, and cherubim
whose wings overshadowed the ark. All these items were made entirely of gold.
The tabernacle
contained curtains woven with diverse colours, creating a visually intricate
fabric. These curtains divided the tabernacle into two sections: one accessible
to certain priests, called the Holy Place, and another that was secret and
inaccessible, known as the Holy of Holies. Additionally, there were lavers,
braziers, hangings around the outer court, as well as curtains made of hair and
skins dyed red, among other described items.
The tabernacle
revealed to Moses was not made with hands yet needed to be constructed –
“the same tabernacle is in a way both unfashioned and fashioned, uncreated in
preexistence but created in having received this material composition.”
St. Gregory
teaches that the tabernacle revealed to Moses was a great mystery prefiguring
Jesus Christ and His incarnation. The tabernacle represents “Christ the power
of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24).
The
"unfashioned and uncreated" aspect represents the divine nature of
Christ. The "fashioned and created" aspect represents the human
nature of Christ. Just as the tabernacle was physically crafted from earthly
materials, so too did Christ take on a physical, human form in His incarnation.
Christ existed before the ages (“He himself is before all things”- 1 Colossians
1:17) but for our sakes was pleased to be born like us. The tabernacle was not
just a physical structure but an embodiment of God’s presence among humanity
that was ultimately fulfilled in Christ Jesus.
St. Gregory refers to St. Paul’s teaching that the curtain of the tabernacle represents the flesh of Christ-“we have
confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living
way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), by
the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is,
through his flesh)” (Hebrews 10:19,20). In St. Gregory's view, the curtain, composed of various colours, symbolizes the
four elements (earth, water, air, fire) and thus the material world. This
signifies that Christ, in taking on human flesh, entered into the material
world. [Commentary on the Tabernacle to be continued in tomorrow’s posting]
Questions for Personal Reflection:
The tabernacle
was an embodiment of God’s presence among humanity, ultimately fulfilled in
Christ Jesus. St. Mary- the second heaven- carried Jesus within her. The holy
fathers and mothers teach us to bear God within us like St. Mary. Reflect
whether my spiritual life has been limited to merely hearing (and speaking)
about Christ? (Even the demons heard Christ, quoted Scriptures and confessed
who Christ was!). Have I allowed Christ to take birth in me and become a vessel
of His presence?
In Christ,
Rincy
Ref: Gregory of Nyssa, Saint. The Life of Moses. Translated by A.J. Malherbe and E. Ferguson, HarperCollins, 2006, pp. 83-90. HarperCollins Spiritual Classics series. (Original translation published by Paulist Press, 1978).
Icon taken from the Holy
Transfiguration Monastery Store-https://www.bostonmonks.com, accessed 24 March
2025.
Disclaimer: The content presented here is a
paraphrased summary based on my reading and understanding of the book cited
above and is intended solely for educational and devotional purposes during
Lent. They are not intended to replace the original work or represent the views
of the author or publisher. Readers are encouraged to refer to the original
book for a comprehensive understanding.
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