Quote:
Originally Posted by Zezima
This is fascinating and something I haven’t fully considered. Can you explain a bit more by what you mean by the old creation being “conduits”.
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Here is a quote from theologian Alexander Schmemann that fleshes it out a bit.
The world as man’s food is not something “material” and limited to material functions, thus different from, and opposed to, the specifically “spiritual” functions by which man is related to God. All that exists is God’s gift to man, and it all exists to make God known to man, to make man’s life communion with God. It is divine love made food, made life for man. God blesses everything He creates, and, in biblical language, this means that He makes all creation the sign and means of His presence and wisdom, love and revelation: “O taste and see that the Lord is good.
Alexander Schmemann, For the Life of the World
By way of just one practical example: as a parent, I take joy in giving my children gifts at Christmas time. I enjoy considering what they would love receiving and wisely choosing things that will benefit and bless them, and then seeing their reactions and knowing they feel loved in this tangible way. This has drawn me more deeply into the heart of my Father in heaven. I realize my experience with gift giving as a parent is a mere (but helpful) shadow of how our Father loves each of us, thinks of us and our needs, delights in us, and acts wisely and generously on our behalf.