The Incarnate Logos: Understanding Theology through Christ
“Theology is taught us by the incarnate Logos of God since He reveals in Himself the Father and the Holy Spirit”
On the Lord’s Prayer
St. Maximos the Confessor
In the heart of Christian spirituality, as echoed in the profound writings of the Philokalia, lies a gem of wisdom: "Theology is taught us by the incarnate Logos of God since He reveals in Himself the Father and the Holy Spirit." This statement encapsulates a fundamental truth about the Christian journey and the pursuit of understanding God.
At first glance, theology may seem like an academic or intellectual pursuit, reserved for scholars and clerics. However, this quote from the Philokalia transforms our understanding of theology. It is not merely about studying God; it is about encountering Him through Jesus Christ, the incarnate Logos, or Word of God.
Picture a mosaic, with each piece representing different aspects of God’s nature and His works. In the center of this mosaic is Christ, the incarnate Logos, through whom every other piece finds meaning and coherence. He is the lens through which the divine is made accessible and comprehensible to us. In Christ, the abstract becomes tangible, the invisible becomes visible, and the distant becomes intimately close.
As followers of Jesus, or disciples, this understanding has profound implications. To study theology is not just to read about God, but to engage with Christ. Through His life, teachings, death, and resurrection, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father and the movement of the Holy Spirit. He is the embodiment of God’s love, justice, mercy, and wisdom. In Him, the mysteries of the Trinity are not just doctrines, but lived realities.
This approach to theology calls for a discipleship that is rooted in a relationship with Christ. It invites us to look to Jesus as the primary teacher of our faith. In His words, we hear the voice of the Father. In His actions, we see the outpouring of the Spirit. Every act of compassion, every parable, every moment of suffering and triumph, speaks volumes about the nature of God and His kingdom.
Furthermore, this perspective challenges us to live our theology. As Christ incarnated God’s love, so are we called to embody this love in our lives. Our discipleship becomes an ongoing act of learning and expressing the nature of God as revealed in Jesus. It’s about allowing the teachings of Christ to shape our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others.
In conclusion, the quote from the Philokalia invites us to a vibrant, dynamic understanding of theology. It’s not just about concepts and doctrines, but about knowing and following Christ, the incarnate Logos. In Him, we find the full revelation of God - a revelation that is not just to be understood but to be lived. As disciples, we are called to this journey of discovery, where theology becomes a way of life, guiding us closer to the heart of God.