The theme today is the mystery of beginnings—whether of the world itself, the soul’s freedom, or the restless search for true happiness. Origen reflects on the creation of rational creatures, explaining why the vast diversity of the world is not the product of chance but of free will and God’s just ordering (Colossians 1:16). Augustine probes Genesis 1:1, showing that the “heaven and earth” first named by Scripture refers not to finished things, but to the formless matter from which creation would be shaped (Genesis 1:1). Aquinas teaches that perfect happiness cannot be attained in this life but only in beholding God Himself, for every earthly good falls short of our infinite longing (Romans 9:11–13).

Readings:

Origen, De Principiis, Book 2, Chapter 9

Augustine, The Confessions, Book 12, Chapter 26 (Section 26)

Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Question 5

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