Leviticus 1:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

y its goitre with its feathers, and cast it under the altar on the east side, where the ashes are: and he shall break it in its wings, without separating them: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood which is upon the fire: it is a burnt offering, a sacrifice, a savour pleasing unto the Lord" (Lev. 1:14-17).

It is notable how aptly it shows that the saints are modeled after Christ; for He embodies the most perfect and melodious turtledove, as well as the most gentle dove. This is affirmed in the Song of Songs, which proclaims, "the voice of the turtledove is heard in the wilderness" (Song of Songs 2:12). He presented Himself as an archetype of the utmost humility in His words: "Learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). Likewise, the saints, reflecting the image of Christ, strive diligently to embody these virtues, resembling doves that convey divine and sacred messages, joyfully proclaiming the glory of the Lord. Their voices echo, "my tongue ... shall learn thy righteousness," continuously praising God (Psalm 70:24:14:15).

They dedicate their lives to Christ, walking the humble path of the Gospel, responding with gentleness to those who strike them, and offering to accompany others beyond what is required (Matthew 5:39-41). In this way, they present themselves as a pleasing fragrance and a burnt offering to God, akin to doves and pigeons. Following the offering, the priest removes the head, placing it upon the altar, pouring out the blood, for the minds of the saints are truly sacred and worthy of dedication to the Almighty. Their thoughts are virtuous, imbued with the harmony of divine wisdom, as noted: "the thoughts of the righteous are right" (Proverbs 12:5).

The sanctity of the lives lived in reverence of God is further underscored by the shedding of blood upon the holy altar, representing life. The trachea of the birds, which includes the goitre and feathers, is discarded, symbolizing the notion that the existence of saints transcends bodily pleasures, rendering earthly sustenance as unnecessary. This is especially true for the ascetic who, by forsaking food and the bodily needs, disciplines the flesh, mortifying desires, and liberates themselves from worldly excess. This may relate to the removal of feathers, which are necessary for birds, yet signifies that while humans require clothing and necessities for their earthly existence, holy individuals regard these as inconsequential and akin to burdens, choosing to live minimally and content with what is readily available.

Once the feathers are removed, and the goitre or trachea is discarded, the instruction is given, "let it be broken," yet "let it not be divided," before being lifted "upon the altar." The breaking of the wings serves as a metaphor, illustrating that the thoughts of the saints are not fixated on lofty ambitions but rather grounded in humility, seeking the simpler aspects of life (Rom. 12:16). In contrast, those who are prideful often aspire to greatness, rejecting humility and diminishing modest thoughts. Thus, the breaking of the wings symbolizes the renunciation of pride.

The undivided commitment of those who wholly devote themselves to God is reflected in the integrity of the wings, which are not to be separated; as the wise Paul remarked regarding the separations within marriage (1 Cor. 7:33). The minds of the saints, therefore, are sanctified, their lives elevated above earthly desires, free from worldly distractions, and adorned with humble contemplation, all lifted as a sweet-smelling offering to God. Palladius. Indeed.