THEOSISJerome of Stridon
Is it possible to consume the will of God? (1 Cor. 9:9). Certainly not. He takes less pleasure in the liver of the calf, the ram, and the goats, the fat surrounding the organs, and the womb that separates waste, of which two are designated for sustenance, and the third was esteemed by Phinehas as a reward. The fat covering the breast and the web of the liver from the offerings of salvation are presented on the altar; the breast and right shoulder are lawfully bestowed upon Aaron and his sons forever by the Israelites. The essence of faith resides in the heart, and the heart is the dwelling place of the spirit. One may ask, where does the soul reside?
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Plato attributes this to the brain, while Christ identifies it with the heart: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God; and evil thoughts come forth from the heart; and, why do you harbor evil thoughts in your hearts? (Matthew 5:8, Matthew 15:18, Matthew 9:4). According to those who study the natural world, sensations and desires are linked to the liver. The webbing of the liver, which branches in various directions and concludes at the eyes, is offered to God by the priests as a declaration: ‘Thy burnt offering shall be fat’ (Ps. 19:4). They burn away the lust within, the root of desires, so that they may be rewarded with a breast and shoulder in recognition. In this sense, the breasts symbolize pure thoughts, understanding of the law, and the truth of doctrine.