That faith is shadowy is a blessing, tempering the light for the eye’s weakness and preparing the eye for the light–for it is written, he cleansed their hearts by faith. Faith, therefore, does not quench the light but protects it. Whatever it may be that the angel sees, it is preserved for me by the shadow of faith, stored up in its trusty breast, until it be reveled in due time. If you cannot yet grasp the naked truth, is it not worthwhile to possess it wrapped in a veil?
Our Lord’s Mother herself lived in the shadow of faith, for she was told, Blessed are you who believe. Even the body of Christ was a shadow for her, as is implied by the words, The power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. That is no mean shadow that is formed by the power of the Most High. Assuredly there was power in the flesh of Christ that overshadowed the Virgin, since, by the means of the envelope of his vivifying body she was able to bear his majestic presence and endure the unapproachable light, something impossible for a mortal. That was power indeed by which every opposing might was overcome. Both the power and this shadow put the demons to flight and became a shelter for human beings: an invigorating power indeed, a shadow radiating coolness.
We, therefore, who walk by faith, live in the shadow of Christ. We are fed with his flesh as the source of our life, for Christ’s flesh is real food.
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