THE HEXAEMERON:
Meditations of St. Basil The Great
THE FIFTH DAY
Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmaments of the heavens." So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind and every winged bird according to his kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth."
After
the creation of the luminaries the waters are now filled with living beings
and its own adornment is given to this part of the world. Each had received
hers from her own plants, the heavens had received the flowers of the
stars, and like two eyes, the great luminaries beautified them in concert.
It still remained for the waters to receive their adornment. The command
was given, and immediately the rivers and lakes becoming fruitful brought
forth their natural broods; the sea travailed with all kinds of swimming
creatures; not even in mud and marshes did the water remain idle; it took
its part in creation. Everywhere from its ebullition frogs, gnats and
flies came forth. For that which we see today is the sign of the past.
Thus, everywhere the water hastened to obey the Creator's command.
Who could count the species which the great and ineffable power of God caused to be suddenly seen living and moving, when this command had empowered the waters to bring forth life? Let the waters bring forth moving creatures that have life. Then for the first time is made a being with life and feeling. For though plants and trees be said to live, seeing that they share the power of being nourished and growing; nevertheless they are neither living creatures, nor have they life. To create these last God said, "let the water produce moving creatures."
But let us come out of the depths of the sea and take refuge upon the shore. For the marvels of creation, coming one after the other in constant succession like the waves have submerged my discourse. However, I should not be surprised if, after finding greater wonders upon the earth, my spirit seeks like Jonah's to flee to the sea. But it seems to me, that meeting with these innumerable marvels has made me forget all measure, and experience the fate of those who navigate the high seas without a fixed point to mark their progress and are often ignorant of the space which they have traversed. This is what happened to me; whilst my words glanced at creation, I have not been sensible of the multitude of beings of which I spoke to you.
But although this honorable assembly is pleased by my speech, and the recital of the marvels of the Master is grateful to the ears of His servants, let me here bring the ship of my discourse to anchor, and await the day to deliver you to the rest. Let us, therefore, all arise, and give thanks for what has been said, let us ask for strength to hear the rest. Whilst taking your food may the conversation at your table turn upon what has occupied us this morning and this evening. Filled with these thoughts may you, even in sleep, enjoy the pleasure of the day, so that you may be permitted to say, "I sleep but my heart waketh," meditating day and night upon the law of the Lord, to Whom be glory and power world without end. Amen.
Selected Readings from the Hexaemeron