342. That the second born of the Church is charity becomes clear from the things which the Church conceives and gives birth to, which are nothing other than faith and charity. The first of those born to Leah by Jacob had a similar meaning. Reuben meant faith; Simeon, faith expressed in action; Levi, charity, Genesis 29:32-34. This also was why the tribe of Levi assumed the function of the priesthood and became representative of the shepherd of the flock. Being the second born of the Church, charity is referred to as 'a brother. and is called 'Abel'.

5626. 'And take your brother' means that by that self-submission they would receive the good of faith. This is clear from the representation of Simeon, ¹ to whom 'brother' whom they were to take refers here, as faith in the will, dealt with in 3869-3872, 4497, 4502, 4503, 5482, and so the good of faith since the truth of faith becomes the good of faith when it passes over into the will. For when this happens that truth passes over into the person's life, and when it is there it is not seen as something to be known but as something to be done. That truth then changes its essential nature and becomes truth realized in action, as a consequence of which it is no longer called truth but good.

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