Benedict Guevin: The Meaning of Lumen deificum (R​​​​B Prol 9) According to Two Greek Manuscripts

In verse 9 of the Prologue to the Rule of St. Benedict we find the words lumen deificum. Translators fall into two camps: the first translates these words as "divine light, " "heavenly light," etc.; the second camp prefers a more dynamic rendering, e.g., "deifying light." Would a Greek translator of RB, with a presumed greater sensibility to concepts like "deification," "theosis," and "deification" opt for a more traditional translation or a more dynamic one? We will examine two Greek manuscripts of the RB to find out.

Luke Dysinger, OSB: Deification in Benedict of Nursia and Gregory the Great

The relationship between the Rule of Benedict and the writings of Gregory the Great is complex and controversial. Each depicts contexts in which the Christian is able to recover and manifest to others aspects of primordial glory. The Rule of St. Benedict presumes an anticipation of eschatological renewal and transformation that occurs within the Christian community. With "eyes open to the deifying light" the innermost heart "expands in God" as members of the cenobium learn to honor and revere what they see each other becoming. In Gregory the Great the "uncircumscribed light of God" transforms the Christian ascetic into a contemplative who helps others to behold transcendent realities in ordinary circumstances.