Choose a topic from Part 1:

74. Meaning of the Seven Days

1. There are different interpretations of the term day as used in the scriptural account of creation. Some say the six days of active creation are not periods of time but a listing of the order in which creatures were made. Others think these days have time significance, but hardly in the sense of our twenty-four hour day, for that day is measured by the sun, and the sun was not created until the fourth day. In any case, the six days of creation and the seventh day of rest give an adequate account of the works of creation and their sanctification.

2. St. Augustine makes the days of creation into one period in which God manifests worldly creatures to the angels in seven ways.

3. It must be acknowledged that Scripture uses suitable words to express the works of creation, and to suggest or imply the operation of the three Persons of the divine Trinity in these works.

"As the flesh is nourished by food, so is man supported by prayers"
St Augustine

* * *

"The essence of perfection is to embrace the will of God in all things, prosperous or adverse. In prosperity, even sinners find it easy to unite themselves to the divine will; but it takes saints to unite themselves to God's will when things go wrong and are painful to self-love. Our conduct in such instances is the measure of our love of God."
St Alphonsus de Liguori

* * *

"The one thing necessary which Jesus spoke of to Martha and Mary consists in hearing the word of God and living by it."
R. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP

* * *