Leviticus 1:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

l take away its crop with its feathers, and cast it under the altar on the east side, where the ashes are: and he shall break its wings, yet not sever them; and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood which is upon the fire: it is a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the Lord" (Lev. 1:14-17). Notice how beautifully and wisely it is confirmed that the saints are aligned with Christ; He is indeed the most exalted and sweetest-voiced turtledove, as well as the gentlest dove. Thus, it is written of Him in the Song of Songs, "the voice of the turtledove is heard in the wilderness" (Song of Songs 2:12). He set forth a model of utmost meekness, declaring: "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). Likewise, the saints, reflecting the image of Christ, diligently embody these noble virtues; they, too, can be likened to doves, sharing the sacred and divine message, joyfully praising God. Accordingly, they proclaim: “my tongue ... shall learn thy righteousness,” all day long thy praise (Psalm 70:24:14:15). They devote their lives to Christ, walking the humble path of the Gospel, responding with love to those who strike them on one cheek and offering to go the extra mile when compelled (Matthew 5:39-41). Thus, they dedicate themselves as a pleasing aroma and burnt offering to God, akin to doves and pigeons. After the priest severs the head, he places it on the altar, pouring out the blood; for the minds of the saints are truly sacred and worthy to be offered to the Most Holy God. Their thoughts are filled with goodness, exuding the peace of genuine divine wisdom: "the thoughts of the righteous are right," as it is written (Proverbs 12:5). Furthermore, it's evident that the lives of those who reverently serve God are holy, illuminated by the shedding of blood on the sacred altar, as blood signifies life. The birds’ throat, that is, the crop and feathers, is removed and discarded as unnecessary. This signifies that the existence of the saints transcends physical gratification, rendering the womb— which holds nourishment— no longer essential. This particularly applies to those most diligent in their spiritual journey (ascetics), who, by embracing austerity and renouncing comfort, mortify bodily desires and liberate themselves from worldly distractions. This symbolizes the removal of feathers. While birds require feathers, earthly beings need clothing and sustenance, including financial means to navigate life's challenges and secure basic needs. However, the righteous view such necessities as trivial and, instead of pursuing them as burdens, they live in the world with a spirit of detachment, often relying on what is easily available. As the feathers are removed and the throat taken away, it is commanded, "Let it be broken," yet without severing it, and then let it be placed "upon the altar." The breaking of the wings serves as a metaphor, illustrating that the thoughts of the saints are humble, focusing not on lofty ambitions but rather on lowly considerations (Rom. 12:16). The minds of the arrogant, in contrast, soar high and disdain the simple and modest reflections. Thus, the breaking of the wings of the offering symbolizes the renunciation of pride. Those who remain undivided between God and worldly desires wholly dedicate their lives to Him, as indicated by the wings remaining intact: the apostle Paul also referred to the separateness required in marital relations (1 Cor. 7:33). Therefore, the minds of the saints are sacred, their lives also holy, transcending earthly pleasures, freed from worldly distractions, and adorned with humble thoughts, remaining undivided between divine commitment and secular concerns. Hence, they rise as a sweet fragrance to God. Palladius. Indeed, it is so.