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'.

4734. 'And Reuben said to them' means an exhortation. In the proximate sense this describes the Church's confession of faith in general, meant by 'Reuben', 4731, exhorting or charging them not to do violence, as follows below.