[Greek] ἀντιλαμβάνω (antilambanō), [Latin] suscipere, [Latin] participare, [French] adopter: to help, to take in, to support, to take hold of in turn, to participate, to take upon oneself to, to partake, to come to the aid of, to take under the protection of; Lk.1:54, Acts 20:35, 1Tim.6:2
St. Ferdinand III, King of Spain: painting by Antonio Casanova y Estorach (1886).
Background information:
King Ferdinand III of Spain: He was born in 1198. In 1217, he become King of Castille. He succeeded to the crown of Leon. On Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), the kings of Spain would serve the poor and wash their feet in imitation of Christ. This practice continued at least into the 20th century. The highest aims of Ferdinand’s life was the propagation of the faith from the Saracen yoke. He re-established Catholic worship everywhere, built churches, founded monasteries, and endowed hospitals. He turned the great mosques into cathedrals, dedicating them to the Blessed Virgin. Ferdinand was buried in the great cathedral of Seville before the image of the Blessed Virgin. It is said that Ferdinand’s body remains in-corrupt. Many miracles took place at his tomb. Clement X canonized him in 1671.
Greek Hellenism: This term means to help, to support, to come to the aid of, to partake, to take in, to participate, and to take hold of in turn. Euripides’ Troades 464 states “Take hold of her! will you let her fall, you worthless slaves? lift up again, from where it lies, her withered body.” Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 2.3.6 states “I am perfectly clear, that if those powerful men taking matters vigorously in hand, I shall have as large a share of any good fortune that may come as I deserve. But if the bad do nothing and the good and the strong lose heart, I am afraid that I shall have a larger share that I wish of something other than good.”
Old Testament: This term means to help, to keep to, to enter into alliance with, to take up, to gird, to equip, to clothe, to protect, to sustain, to take hold of, to lift up, and to sustain. For you have girded me with strength for battle (2Sam.22:40). Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him by the hand (Gen.21:18). Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means falter, then you are to sustain him (Lev.25:35). For Your name’s sake, You will lead me and guide me (Psa.31:3). Preserve my life from dread of the enemy (Psa.64:1). I awoke, for the Lord sustains me (Psa.3:5). Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward (1Kgs.13:7). H came to a certain place and spent the night there (Gen.28:11). And those who mourn are lifted to safety (Deu.2:36). He will deliver us out of your hand, O king (Dan.3:17). Your right hand upholds me (Psa.63:8).
New Testament: This term means to help, to devote oneself to, and to enjoy the benefits of helping others. In the Canticle of Mary, Mary states that God has helped His servant Israel who is in danger of falling or being overthrown. In a sense, God takes hold of the child Israel by His hand. God gives Israel His divine help. Acts 20:35 points out that we must keep in mind the words of Jesus in that we must help the weak and needy. It is more blessed in giving rather than receiving. The giver receives much greater joy (benefits) when he follows the commands of Jesus. Even Christian servants (slaves) must show their masters respect, whom are also deserving of respect. Likewise, Christian masters are called to show respect (not take advantage) of their servants (slaves). Both servant and master are workers are beloved.
Scripture:
“He has helped Israel His servant, remembering His mercy.” Lk.1:54
Israel is likened to a child whose “hand” is held by God. This child (Israel) is in danger of falling or being overthrown.
“In every way that I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
All of us are called to follow these words of Jesus. It is through giving that we each can receive this joy (benefits of helping others).
Etymology: The Greek verb katalambano (to apprehend) and the Greek verb antilambano (to help) are related to the Greek verb lambano (to take hold of). The Greek prefix (kata-) indicates intensity, violence, or suddenness. The Greek prefix (anti-) indicates over against, attending to or focusing of who (what) is being held. Essentially, antilambano means to take in, to help, and to assist. The Latin verb suscipere essentially means to take up. The Latin suspectus is the perfect passive participle of the Latin verb suspicere, meaning to look up or to mistrust. The Latin verb participare means to take a share in.
Conclusion:
Susceptible, suspect, suspicion, suspicious, participate, participation, adopt, adoption
This is a very interesting painting of a king (historical figure) in early history. This king conveys the essence of serving others.
In Greek Hellenism, Euripides helps to illustrate how taking hold of someone can mean helping that person. Xenophon also illustrates the notion of taking matters in hand as taking the initiative in something.
In the Old Testament, this term is used quite extensively in various uses and meanings.
In the New Testament, in the Canticle of Mary (Lk.1:54), the servant Israel is personified as a boy (Latin puerum) in the Latin Vulgate. Israel is illustrated as a little boy who takes God’s “hand”. It is with giving (helping others) that we can receive the benefits of joyfulness. In Tim.6:2, the Latin Vulgate uses the Latin verb participare to convey this participation in helping others. It is also surprising of the use of the Latin verb suscipere which is related to suspects and suspicion. How appropriate it is for the use of the French adoptor, with the taking in of a child into a family as an adopted son or daughter.
Coronavirus pandemic: One of the consequences of this pandemic has led to the loss of employment (jobs) of many who are now struggling in their efforts to provide for themselves (and their families). So we need to take in these folks into our thoughts and prayers. In response to this, food drives have also occurred throughout our nation. But I suspect that God, in His divine providence, will provide opportunities for those (who are capable and able to) to participate and enjoy in the benefits of helping the less fortunate. (That is just my sneaking suspicion).
