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... at the beginning of the human race the woman was made of a rib taken from the side of the man while he slept; for it seemed fit that even then Christ and His Church should be foreshadowed in this event. For that sleep of the man was the death of Christ, whose side, as He hung lifeless upon the Cross, was pierced with a spear, and there flowed from it blood and water, and these we know to be the sacraments by which the Church is built up.
Saint Augustine
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the creation of woman from man's rib, symbolizing unity and foreshadowing the relationship between Christ and His Church.

Saint Augustine's quote draws a profound connection between the biblical creation narrative and the symbolism of Christ's sacrifice. It describes how the creation of woman from man's side is not just a physical act but a spiritual one that represents the deep bond between humanity and divinity. The sleep of man is paralleled with Christ's death, and the resulting blood and water symbolize the sacraments essential for the building of the Church, emphasizing the importance of this divine relationship.

Themes

CreationWomanManSacramentsSpiritualityUnity

In practice

Example use cases

In a sermon discussing the unity of man and woman in marriage.

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