THEOSISEphraem the Syrian
Awake to your true self.
**Preface** Dearly beloved, we are called, as the Apostle urges, to encourage and beseech one another (1 Thess. 5:11). As it is further stated: "Therefore to one who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, for him it is sin" (James 4:17). Listen to the declaration of the Prophet: "I will not restrain my mouth" (Ps. 39:10). Thus, I implore you to consider even my shortcomings. If my words are flawed, forgive me, an unlearned and sinful soul. If my utterances are correct, it is the work of divine grace. And since grace supplies us with words, we must not hesitate to speak. For the Lord equates laziness with deceit, as seen in His words: "You wicked and slothful servant, you should have invested my money with the bankers; and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest" (Matthew 25:26-27). May the Lord bless us, who have received His word, to produce fruit that is pleasing to Him. To Him be glory forever! Amen.
**Chapter 1** Listen, beloved, when you chose to embrace monastic life, you resolved to forsake worldly ties. If you do this in accordance with His will, not only will people rejoice in your choice, but also the angels of God, for it is written, "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10). Therefore, if you have commenced this journey properly, you shall complete it rightly. Before taking on this mantle, recognize the commitment you are making. Against whom do you contend? He who declares, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against cosmic powers over this present darkness," reminds us of the evil spiritual forces we face (Eph. 6:12). So, let us not grow weary in our pursuit until we receive our reward. If you have renounced the world, also forsake its pride. If you have turned away from material wealth, also discard vanity. If you have distanced yourself from your earthly parents, persist in your commitment, enduring the trials of virtue with resilience. Our renunciation is not simply for a moment but should last until our final breath. If you aspire to be victorious, learn to carry the burdens of virtue with steadfastness and gentle wisdom. For example, if you are offended by those beneath you, refrain from anger; if you are humiliated, endure; if you are silenced, remain patient; if you are slandered, respond with generosity; if deprived of what is yours, give thanks. Reflect on your neighbor, Lazarus the beggar; consider the hardship he endured for the Lord. He was attuned to the divine reward (Hebrews 11:26) and remembered, "The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). Therefore, dear ones, aimed at pleasing the Lord, walk in humility, and the Lord will grant you the crown of life promised to those who love Him (James 1:12). To Him be glory forever! Amen.
**Chapter 2** Once, two men embarked on a journey to a distant city. Along their path, they found a delightful grove filled with trees providing shade and flowing streams. One of the travelers hurried past, eager to reach the city, while the other lingered, enchanted by the beauty of the place. As he enjoyed the pleasant surroundings, a wild beast emerged, seized him, and dragged him away to its lair. Meanwhile, the other, who remained vigilant and uninterested in the allure of the trees, arrived at the city. One brother requested an explanation for this observation, eagerly seeking truth. With grace guiding us, listen: the two men symbolize those who have embarked on the path of godliness. The enemy seeks to deter them, introducing demonic temptations such as pride, covetousness, and vainglory. The one who strains toward the highest prize in Christ (Philippians 3:14) is not impeded by these distractions. The man distracted by the grove represents a soul fixating on earthly allure rather than spiritual depth. The heat signifies the labor required in virtue. If one stops to indulge in earthly desires, like the beast, sin will surely ensnare him, as it is written: "desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death" (James 1:15). Therefore, beloved, let us flee from worldly cravings, lest we become bound again to sin. For the Savior declared, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). Let us serve in a way that pleases God, who has set us free; let us not be led astray by corrupt passions or be enamored by outward appearances, but rather aspire to the humility that characterizes the saints.
For it is unseemly for those who have conquered significant battles to surrender to trivial temptations. May our constant focus be the inner man, which pleases Him who scrutinizes hearts (Psalm 7:10) and may we discard the trivial. It is impossible to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Consider a carpenter; does he prepare a spear when a spear is his aim? Or a humble seeker fails to pursue true humility but seeks vanity’s acclaim? Who, yearning for spiritual treasures, neglect earthly care? May the Lord assist us in doing and thinking that which pleases Him! To Him be glory forever! Amen.
In moments of earthly strife, do not lose heart or succumb to despair, which may embolden your adversary. He may whisper, "Your desires cannot abate unless satisfied," mocking your vulnerabilities. But trust in the Lord, pouring out your prayers with tears before His goodness; He will hear you and elevate you from the mire of sinful thoughts and vile dreams, setting your feet upon the rock of holiness (Psalm 39:1-3) where you will behold His deliverance. Be steadfast, vigilant, do not slacken; the shore of life is near. Remember, He says, "I am coming" (Isaiah 58:9), yet He waits to see your perseverance, whether you will resist sin unto death. Thus, do not be cowardly; God has not abandoned you. Your actions are observed not only by Him but also by His holy angels and the multitude of demons.
The angels bestow crowns upon the triumphant, while the demons shame the vanquished. There exists much conflict on behalf of the angels for you, beloved, much zeal from the demons against you, Christ's devotee. Be on guard, therefore. Do not afflict your spirit, nor seek to bring joy to others through your own suffering. I regard the holy angels as mine and the unholy demons as strangers. There is no concealment from God's gaze; nothing is hidden from His light. Do not allow adversarial wisdom to deceive you, for you stand at the threshold of God. Keep this in mind; it is written, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool" (Acts 7:49). Maintain a steadfast spirit; the Helper is at hand.
The prophet proclaims, "All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the Lord, I cut them off!" (Psalm 118:10-11). As you endure, O ascetic, strive to receive the promise of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).
To withstand passions and endure trials is what equips us to excel in the struggle. Conversely, if passions do not contend with us, we must be cautious not to judge those who are wrestling with them, lest we fall into arrogance. It is not the passion that is perilous but our own laziness when we fail to resist temptation. Therefore, engage in the battle against the desires that consume you, steering clear of the unending flames of lust. If you are overcome, these passions will aggressively pursue you.
He warns, "For from the mouth of a forbidden woman drips honey; and her speech is smoother than oil" (Proverbs 5:3). Yet in the end, she is bitter as wormwood and sharp as a two-edged sword. Thus, guard yourself carefully lest you forfeit the radiance of God’s face, for it is said, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
To Him be glory forever! Amen.
**Chapter 4** Do not heed the words of the wicked who pose the question, "What is there after death?" and provoke the Lord your God who will judge both the living and the dead. Woe to the soul that entertains such a thought! This notion leads those who abide by it to the abyss of death and distances them from God, causing them to submit to the adversary. Yet you, who possess faith, escape such dangerous counsel; remain steadfast and true (John 20:27). We believe in a coming judgment and reward following death, for faithful is He who has promised (Hebrews 10:23). God will not forget the efforts of those who genuinely serve Him, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Desire, beloved, to comprehend the profound influence of the word? Reflect upon the honor bestowed upon saints in this life. "The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot" (Proverbs 10:7). But you, dear ones, believe the sacred Scriptures, and take caution against the words of the faithless; their minds and consciences are deceitful, confessing God but rejecting Him through their actions (Titus 1:15-16). Look closely at Herod: clad in royal garb and addressing the people; yet, for refusing to glorify God, the Lord's angel struck him down, and he was devoured by worms (Acts 12:21-23). Should virtue strengthen you and the adversaries of righteousness assail you, do not falter, nor trade godliness for the fear of man; for it is terrifying to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).
Hear the Savior’s words: "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). Therefore, you must shun the corrupt conversations of the wicked, focusing not on outward appearances or gray hairs, but rather the disposition of the heart. For such individuals, the Apostle reminds us, "have the appearance of godliness, but deny its power" (2 Timothy 3:5). Should you accept their deceptive words and stray from the narrow path, dread the eternal fire of torment, recalling the dreadful plea tinged with sorrow: "Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish" (Luke 16:25).
Instead, fix your gaze solely on God; at the conclusion of your noble life, your spirit will rejoice with the righteous in the age to come, and no one will take your joy from you (John 16:22). To God be glory forever! Amen.
**Chapter 5** There are two forms of sorrow experienced by every human being under the sun: the sorrow of God and worldly sorrow, both of which cannot be avoided in this life. Worldly sorrow burdens us without reward, while godly sorrow carries the hope of everlasting life. Therefore, engage with the tribulation you have chosen, as it has not come upon you against your will. Do not follow your own thoughts; when troubled, first call upon the Lord, then seek counsel from those who revere Him. If you ignore the advice of the righteous, your soul will resemble a city with no walls, easily besieged by enemies.
Inquire of your father, and he will inform you; your elders will teach you (Deuteronomy 32:7). The wise will seek counsel. Flee drunkenness and as much as possible, distance yourself from women; for a woman’s words are a seductive shadow within the heart (Proverbs 7:21), drawing in those who listen. When illness afflicts you, bear it with gratitude; the Apostle reminds us that "when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10), and "Blessed is the man whom You discipline, O Lord, and whom You teach out of Your law" (Psalm 94:12).