THEOSISGregory of Nyssa
The term "Ecclesiastes" refers to the one who unites the lost and scattered into a single body, transforming everything into one harmonious flock, ensuring that nothing escapes the beautiful and life-giving call of the Shepherd. He declares, ‘The words that I speak ... are spirit and life’ (John 6:63). He identifies himself as Ecclesiastes, the healer, the life, the resurrection, the light, the way, the door, the truth, and he embodies every aspect of humanity.
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Thus, just as a physician’s voice brings hope to the sick and the word of life revives the dead—who, upon hearing the voice of the Son of Man, emerge from the depths of death, seeking the call of the resurrection—so the illuminating word reaches those who dwell in darkness, offering a clear path for those who have lost their way and opening a door for all who seek to enter; in the same manner, Ecclesiastes addresses those who form the Church. Indeed, Ecclesiastes speaks to us, and we, the Church, are attentive to his voice. For just as one’s gaze is directed toward the painter, the swimmers toward the helmsman, and the soldiers toward their commander, so do the members of the Church look to their Sovereign. What, then, does Ecclesiastes convey? He notes that Az was king over Israel in Jerusalem. When did this occur? Surely it was at the time when "a king was set upon Him over Zion by His holy city. He that declares the decree, the Lord" (Ps. 2:6-7). To whom is it that the Lord speaks, stating, "My Son art thou, this day have I begotten thee" (Heb. 1:5)? The declaration shows that the Creator of the universe and Father of eternity was born "this day," indicating a temporal birth for the sake of humanity's salvation, rather than an existence prior to time. This essence embodies what the true Ecclesiastes teaches—the profound mystery of godliness, for which God took on flesh. Ecclesiastes proclaims: "I have opened my heart to seek and discern in wisdom all things that are under heaven."