Basil of Caesarea: Exegetic Homilies (Fathers of the Church)
Overview
These exegetical homilies explore numerous Psalms and provide the earliest extant Hexaemeron—a theological treatise on the six-day creation account. St. Basil founded a new genre of hexameral literature, which was followed noted to be extremely popular among the educated Christians of his era, and display a profound devotion to God and evidence of his goodness in the workings of creation.
Key Features
- Compiles exegetical homilies from St. Basil of Caesarea
- Presents the earliest extant Hexaemeron
- Includes an introduction with background on the author and era
Top Highlights
“When the soul is not enslaved by the pride of the flesh, but assumes a greatness and dignity proper to it because of its awareness of its attributes received from God, in this soul is the voice of the Lord.” (Page 202)
“bless on propitious occasions, but to be silent on dark and difficult ones” (Page 250)
“Let us glorify the Master Craftsman for all that has been done wisely and skillfully; and from the beauty of the visible things let us form an idea of Him who is more than beautiful; and from the greatness of these perceptible and circumscribed bodies let us conceive of Him who is infinite and immense and who surpasses all understanding in the plenitude of His power. For, even if we are ignorant of things made, yet, at least, that which in general comes under our observation is so wonderful that even the most acute mind is shown to be at a loss as regards the least of the things in the world, either in the ability to explain it worthily or to render due praise to the Creator, to whom be all glory, honor, and power forever. Amen.” (Page 19)
“Therein is perfect theology, a prediction of the coming of Christ in the flesh, a threat of judgment, a hope of resurrection, a fear of punishment, promises of glory, an unveiling of mysteries; all things, as if in some great public treasury, are stored up in the Book of Psalms.” (Page 153)
“Blessed is he who is not turned aside to his destruction through its incitements to pleasure, but eagerly awaits the hope of salvation through patient endurance, and in his choice of one of the two ways, does not go upon the way leading to the lower things.” (Page 161)
About Basil of Caesarea
Basil of Caesarea (330–379) was bishop of Caesarea and an influential figure in the fourth century Church. The Orthodox Church reveres him as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs (along with Ss. Gregory Nazianzus and John Chrysostom), and he is commemorated on January 1. He is best known for his monastic Rule as well as his monumental Treatise on the Holy Spirit. His homilies on the six days of creation (Hexaemeron) as well as on the Psalter are also treasured. The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, used in the Orthodox Church throughout Great Lent, as well as on other specific feast days, is also attributed to him.