Who Is This Shining One

General Theme of the Lecture

This lecture presents a deep spiritual contemplation on the biblical verse:
“Who is she who looks forth like the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, awesome as an army with banners” (Song of Songs 6:10).
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that this phrase is not a question, but an expression of wonder and admiration, symbolizing the Church, the human soul, and also Christ as the Head of the Church.

First: The Shining Church

The Church is a source of amazement to the world because:

• She appears as light after great darkness.
• She is united with God and filled with glory and power.
• She is the Bride of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit.
• She has triumphed over persecution and the forces of evil throughout history.

Second: Fair as the Moon

The Church resembles the moon:

• She does not shine by herself but reflects the light of Christ.
• She gives hope amid the darkness of the world.
• She guides people through difficult and corrupt times.
• She is characterized by gentleness, humility, peace, and praise.

Third: Clear as the Sun

The sun symbolizes:

• Strength, warmth, and purity.
• Powerful eras in Church history such as the Apostolic Age and the Ecumenical Councils.
• Spiritual purity that exposes darkness and burns sin.
• The mighty and unceasing work of God.

Fourth: Awesome as an Army with Banners

The Church is not only beautiful but also strong:

• She stands firmly against heresies.
• She confronts the forces of evil without fear.
• She preserves sound doctrine and true faith.
• She casts out evil from hearts and leads people to repentance.
• Her beauty does not cancel her power; rather, it completes it.

Spiritual Message

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that:

• The Church must unite beauty, light, and strength.
• Every believer is called to be a light to the world.
• True light is received from Christ and lived through holiness and courage.
• A Church that loses her spiritual strength cannot be “awesome as an army with banners.”

Church Light
Spiritual Strength

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