Duchowy alfabet w świetle komentarza do Psalmu 118 Hilarego z Poitiers

Abstract

An important part of Bishop Hilary of Poitiers’ “Treatise on the Psalms” is his commentary on Psalm 118, which can be called a spiritual alphabet. Just as children learn to read by recognizing letters, so believers should learn the faith and come to know God from a spiritual primer. Like an understanding teacher, Bishop Hilary explains in turn each of the different verses of the Psalms and shows their proper understanding. The heavenly primer is designed to be read and its content put into practice. Hilary puts himself in the position of the pupil and at the same time points to God, the Master of spiritual life. On the path to understanding, he also has the help of the Prophet. The purpose of the spiritual alphabet is a Christian education that is based on self‑development and inner transformation. The constant contemplation of the divine mysteries and integrating them into practice makes heavenly elementary knowledge become the continuous work on oneself.