The Lights we Use to Read the Scriptures
When we read the Sacred Scriptures, we do so using a certain light in our mind. This light enables us to “see” and understand what the text conveys. However, it is important to recognize that the light we use not only reveals meaning but also determines the outcome of our understanding. The deeper and purer the light, the closer we come to grasping the human author’s intention. Since the human author is moved by the Holy Spirit, his intention coincides with that of the Holy Spirit. If the light we employ is not sufficiently deep, our understanding of the author’s intent remains fragmented and limited.
Three Lights of Illumination
There are three distinct lights that illuminate our mind when we engage with Scripture:
- The Natural Light of Reason – The basic human capacity to analyse and interpret words and concepts.
- The Normal General Light of Faith – The common light of faith we receive in Baptism, which guides our understanding beyond mere reason. It is a supernatural light. It involves the general help of the grace of God.
- The Deeper Spiritual Lights – A series of deeper illuminations that correspond to the stages of spiritual transformation. It involves the stages after second conversion, direct intervention of the Holy Spirit, and stages of growth. It involves the particular help of the grace of God.
Within the third category, we find multiple lights, which correspond to our growth in the spiritual life. We can broadly distinguish three major thresholds:
a) The light that comes after second conversion.
b) The light that follows deep purification.
c) The profound illumination that accompanies deeper union with Christ and participation in His Passion.
St. John of the Cross alludes to the difference between 2 and 3 when he speaks about the different supernatural forms of the Presence of God in us. He says: “The second is His presence by grace, whereby He dwells in the soul, pleased and satisfied with it. This presence is not in all souls; for those who fall into mortal sin lose it, and no soul can know in a natural way whether it has it or not. The third is His presence by spiritual affection. God is wont to show His presence in many devout souls in diverse ways, in refreshment, joy, and gladness; yet this, like the others, is all secret, for He does not show Himself as He is, because the condition of our mortal life does not admit of it.” (Spiritual Canticle 11,2-5, see also: Spiritual Canticle 1,5-7 and 8,3; Ascent of Mount Carmel II,5,3. Living Flame of Love I,12 and III,24) For a more detailed description of the different forms of working of the Holy Spirit in us see this important article (see here).
The light by which a person reads Sacred Scripture shapes what they perceive within the text. If their illumination is weak, the richness of God’s Word remains partially obscured – which is normal. As we have said, the quality, purity, and depth of this light depend on the person’s own purity and degree of transformation. What truly matters is what is seen—the Word that God desires to reveal to us—for this is the food of the soul, nourishing it according to its stage of spiritual development. God provides the light we need. The goal is not to seek a more dazzling illumination but to allow the Word of God to meet us where we are and guide us one step forward on our spiritual journey. What transforms us is listening to the Word of God today—hearing what He speaks to us now—and putting it into practice. The goal is not to seek new meanings but to receive today’s Bread, the One who will truly transform us.
The State of Biblical Spiritual Theology Today
In contemporary times, the Church recognises and employs the first two lights—natural reason and general faith—through the disciplines of normal Exegesis and Biblical Theology. However, the third light, or type of lights, the deeper spiritual illuminations, remain largely unexplored. Although the Church Fathers provided extensive teachings on the spiritual life, the spiritual senses of the Bible, Biblical Spiritual Theology remains today in its infancy. As a result, our understanding of the depths of Scripture remains blurred.
The current tendency is to approach the Scriptures through spiritual meditations rather than a structured and rigorous Biblical Spiritual Theology. While some of these meditations are referred to as “Lectio Divina on…,” they often lack a proper presentation of what spiritual exegesis should be.
Another significant trend over the past hundred years has been the rediscovery of the “spiritual senses” of Scripture. However, what remains lacking is an understanding of the connection between these spiritual meanings and the stages of personal spiritual growth. Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopagite, at the beginning of his book “Mystical Theology”, establishes a crucial link between different forms of spiritual exegesis (the spiritual senses of Scripture) and the various stages of spiritual development. His insight is of utmost importance for the future of exegesis today, as it highlights the direct correlation between one’s stage of spiritual growth and the type of spiritual sense one is able to perceive.
The Bible serves as the means by which the living Word of God nourishes us. The Word of God is true bread for both our mind and will. As we grow spiritually, the nature of this Bread changes, meeting our evolving needs. As charity within us deepens, we require new guidance and sustenance, which the Scriptures provide in a way that aligns with our spiritual progress. (see this article: Scriptures Grow With Us)
The Role of the Hagiographer
In seeking the human author’s intention—which is also the Holy Spirit’s intention—it is crucial to recognise that the sacred author is not merely an ordinary writer but one who is deeply advanced in spiritual life. He is not receiving a dictation, far from that. As a holy person, the hagiographer is more closely aligned with the intentions of the Holy Spirit. While it is true that God can use any writer, regardless of his spiritual maturity, the divine preference is to reveal His intentions to a true friend rather than to a mere servant who does not grasp His master’s will: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) and “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26). One of the fundamental characteristics of Christianity is the call for the disciple to become like his Master: “A disciple is not above the teacher, and everyone fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40).
The Path Forward: Integrating Spiritual Theology and Scripture
This analysis of the current situation reveals both where we are and where we must go. By studying the spiritual journey, it stages and understanding the transformations that occur in the human soul at key thresholds, we will gain deeper insight into the intentions of the biblical authors. More than that, we will come to recognise how the Scriptures are truly alive—like Christ Himself walking beside us and nourishing us with the spiritual sustenance we require at each stage of our journey.
The dynamic nature of the Word of God does not negate the existence of an ultimate intention in the author. On the contrary, the more we develop our understanding of spiritual theology, the better equipped we will be to interpret the Scriptures properly and to grasp the fullness of our faith. This is the path forward—one that calls for deeper integration of spiritual theology with biblical interpretation, allowing the Church to recover the richness of its tradition and advance toward a more profound encounter with the living Word of God.
Read also
– Regarding the Spiritual Journey see the 11 diagrams and also Formation and the Spiritual Journey.
– The Five Modes of Activity of the Holy Spirit
– “Bible and Spiritual Life” Course. 9 Lessons of two hours each. (click here for more details) First Video (you can ask for the videos)
– From the Literal Meaning of Scriptures to the Spiritual One
– Lectio Divina and the Spiritual Senses of the Scriptures (video)
– The Meaning of the Sermon on the Mount
– “Meditating the Passion of the Lord” Course. 12 hours. (See here for more details)See the page of the Course First Video (you can ask for the videos)
– The Scriptural Turning Point: The Christian Psalms
– St Luke’s Gospel (Course)
– “The Gospel of St. John and Spiritual Life” Course. 10 Lessons each of two hours. (See here for more details) See the Page of the Course First Video (you can ask for the videos)
– Is John 1:14 About the Incarnation?
– Lectio Divina & Prayer of the Heart at Two Important Turning Points in Spiritual Life