In the bustling tapestry of early Christianity, the figure of Saint Athanasius emerges as a beacon of unwavering faith and theological depth. Born around 296 AD in Alexandria, Egypt, Athanasius would become a pivotal defender of orthodox Christian doctrine amidst the swirling controversies of his time.
Athanasius is renowned particularly for his staunch defense of the Nicene Creed’s declaration of Christ’s divinity—a position that embroiled him in intense ecclesiastical and political turmoil. His theological contributions, rooted in the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church Fathers, continue to resonate profoundly in Christian theology today.
In John 15:9-11, Christ’s words encapsulate the essence of Athanasius’s faith and enduring legacy: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
These words capture the heart of Athanasius’s theological vision—that the Christian life is fundamentally about abiding in the love of Christ, living in obedience to His commands, and experiencing the fullness of joy that comes from union with God. Athanasius exemplified this in his unwavering commitment to the truth of Christ’s divinity despite facing exile and persecution for his beliefs.
Athanasius’s most famous work, “On the Incarnation,” beautifully articulates his understanding of the significance of Christ’s divine incarnation. He writes, “For He was made man that we might be made God; and He manifested Himself by a body that we might receive the idea of the unseen Father; and He endured the insolence of men that we might inherit immortality.” This profound statement encapsulates Athanasius’s conviction that Christ’s incarnation is not merely a historical event but a cosmic and salvific act that transforms human nature.
Athanasius’s life and writings remind us of the enduring relevance of foundational Christian truths. Like the vine and branches metaphor in John 15, Athanasius underscores the necessity of remaining deeply connected to Christ—the true vine—in order to bear fruit and experience the abiding joy of His love.
Despite the storms of controversy and opposition he faced, Athanasius’s legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of Christ’s love. His unwavering fidelity to the truth of Christ’s divinity and the profound implications of the Incarnation continue to inspire and challenge believers to this day.
In contemplating the life and teachings of Saint Athanasius, we are invited to delve deeper into the mystery of God’s love revealed in Christ, to remain steadfast in our faith, and to embrace the fullness of joy that comes from abiding in Him. As Athanasius himself beautifully articulated, “The Word perceived that corruption could not be got rid of otherwise than through death; yet He Himself, as the Word, being immortal and the Father’s Son, was such as could not die.” This unwavering commitment to the truth of Christ’s divinity reflects Athanasius’s profound understanding of the cosmic significance of the Incarnation—an understanding that continues to illuminate and inspire Christians today.
A reflection on the readings for Thursday, April 2nd, 2024: Memorial of Saint Athanasius