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What is the “Harp of the Holy Spirit?

Actually, the “what” is a “who” and refers to Saint Ephrem the Syrian, a 4th-century saint who is credited for writing over 400 hymns and refuting heresies against the early Church. He was born around 306 and died in 373 after contracting a disease from a patient he was caring for. He was ordained a deacon late in life, declining the invitation to the priesthood. His feast day is June 9th.

Some of Saint Ephrem’s most influential work is probably his “Hymns Against Heresies.” These hymns were filled with doctrinal teachings and were written to guide the fledgling Christians in the truths of the faith. He went on to establish a theological school where he catechized the faithful through his preaching, liturgy, poetry, and music. The early Church Fathers praised his commentaries on Scripture. His use of language was compelling, beautiful, and memorable because it is metaphorical. His admirers referred to him as the “Harp of the Holy Spirit.”

One of Ephrem’s metaphoric sayings is on the Eucharist; “In your bread hides the Spirit who cannot be consumed. In your wine is the fire that cannot be swallowed. The Spirit in your bread, fire in your wine: behold a wonder heard from our lips.”

Likewise, on the divinity of Jesus; “The Lord entered (Mary) and became a servant; the Word entered her, and became silent within her; thunder entered her and his voice was still; the Shepherd of all entered her and became a Lamb…”

As a deacon, Saint Ephrem distributed food and other necessary goods to the poor, but just as deacons do today, he also assisted priests in preaching the Gospel. Some of his most effective tools for helping Christians understand the True Faith were the prayers he wrote. Probably his most recited prayer is this Lenten penitential prayer:

O Lord and Master of my Life;

Give me not a spirit of sloth, lust for power, and idle talk.

But give me, your servant a spirit of charity, humility, patience, and love.

O Lord and King; grant me to see my own faults and not judge another,

for blessed are you forever. Amen.

Saint Ephrem was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XV in 1920.

Saint Ephrem, pray for us!



Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn