THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Does one partake of the will of God? (1 Cor. 9:9). Absolutely not. He takes no pleasure in the internal organs of the calf, the ram, and the goats, nor in the parts that are excluded from the sacrifices, among which two are designated for consumption, while the third was deemed worthy by Phinehas as a reward. The fat that envelops the breast, along with the outer layers of the liver from the sacrifices of atonement, are presented at the altar; the breast itself and the right shoulder are lawfully allocated to Aaron and his descendants permanently from the people of Israel. The essence resides in the heart, and the heart serves as its dwelling place. It is inquired, where does the soul reside?
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While Plato posits it to be in the brain, Christ identifies it with the heart: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God; and again, evil thoughts emanate from the heart; and also, Why do you harbor evil thoughts in your hearts? (Matthew 5:8, Matthew 15:18, Matthew 9:4). Those who study the natural world assert that passions and desires find their roots in the liver. The web-like structure of the liver, which branches out in various directions and extends to the eyes, is offered to God by the priests. In doing so, they declare through their actions, ‘Thy burnt offering shall be fat’ (Ps. 19:4), and by purging the longings—the very source of desire—with spiritual fire, they are rewarded with the breast and shoulder as their due. The breast (honored to receive) represents pure thoughts, comprehension of the law, and the truth of doctrine.