THEOSISGregory of Nyssa
Can the ownership of vast tracts of land truly lead to any positive outcome? All that may occur is that the individual, blinded by greed, considers himself the rightful owner of what is not his at all. In his avarice, he forgets that the earth belongs to the Lord, and everything within it (Psalm 23:1), for God is sovereign over all creation (Psalm 46:8). Yet, humanity, consumed by this desire for possessions, falsely assumes dominion over what is not theirs at all. As Ecclesiastes wisely observes, the earth endures eternally, serving each generation in turn and providing sustenance for those who inhabit it. People lack even sovereignty over their own lives, reliant entirely on the will of the Divine Sovereign.
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They enter life without cognizance and depart from it against their will, yet they arrogantly claim ownership of the earth, which remains constant while they come and go in ephemeral existence.
The sun travels its ordained path, alternating between light and darkness, illuminating the skies when it rises and engulfing the world in shadow as it sets. ‘But the earth stands forever’ (4), remaining stable, while what exists does not change, and what has changed does not come to rest. Indeed, nothing throughout the ages transforms into something new by its own power. The sea receives endless streams of water from all directions, yet remains unchanged in its vastness. What purpose could there be in the continual influx of water filling what is perpetually full? Ecclesiastes points this out to illustrate, in terms of the very elements that constitute human existence, the futility of that which preoccupies our hearts. If the sun’s constancy is boundless, and the rhythmic interchange of light and darkness continues unabated, and if the earth is destined to be still, while rivers tirelessly pour into the insatiable sea, which in turn gains nothing from their ceaseless offerings—what does this say about humanity, living in the same cosmos?
Thus, what should the Church take from these reflections? It shouts: 'Observing the universe, O humanity, understand your own nature.’ What you observe in the heavens and upon the earth, in the sun, and in the sea, should reflect back upon your own condition. Much like the sun, our nature has a cycle; we pass from birth to return to our eternal home. As life wanes, our illumination fades, yet the earth remains steadfast, implying an unbroken cycle of existence. Ecclesiastes states that the sun rises and crosses the southern lands, then moves beneath the earth to return to the north, perpetually revolving in its circuit, just as your spirit 'goes' (as Ecclesiastes denotes, referring to every human soul), continuously in a similar manner. Recognizing this can bring wisdom to one’s life.
What shines brighter than the sun? What is clearer than its rays? Yet, if the sun descends below the horizon, its brilliance is concealed, and its light vanishes. In contemplating this, one may choose to lead a more virtuous life, disregarding worldly accolades, having learned that renown is transitory. The succession of opposites reveals that nothing remains in its current state—neither youth, beauty, nor the allure of authority lasts forever. This truth holds even for those enjoying some form of prosperity. For those who find virtue challenging, let them draw strength from the steadfastness of the earth. ‘The earth stands forever’ (4). What could be more demanding than this unwavering endurance? Yet, this endurance transcends ages. For you, however, have but a fleeting moment to enact your calling. Do not resemble the earth in being soulless. Do not act without awareness, you who are endowed with reason and guided by it. Instead, as the Apostle instructs, ‘abide in the things you have learned and have been assured of’ (2 Tim. 3:14), remaining firm and steadfast, because among the divine mandates is the call to ‘be steadfast, unmovable’ (1 Cor. 15:58). Let purity remain unwavering within you, faith solid, and love constant. Stand firm in all that is good, just as ‘the earth abides forever’ (4).
But should anyone surrender to greed, akin to a sea forever yearning for fulfillment, let such a person take lessons from the sea. Just as the sea, with its dark currents, retains its depth without ever overflowing, human nature, confined to specific limits in enjoying what it possesses, cannot expand its capacity through insatiable desire. Just as the flow of wealth ceases, so too does the ability to enjoy it remain within contours. Therefore, if satisfaction cannot exceed the limits set by nature, why do we seek more than we require, failing to share our abundance for the good of others?
Since we consider futile any word or action devoid of substance, it is wise to start with this sentiment. Thus, when we engage in any endeavor with a selfish aim, let us not equate it with true wealth, for all human wisdom that focuses on the temporal is akin to the play of children upon sand. Their enjoyment ceases when they cease their exertion, leaving behind no trace of their efforts, just as human aspirations—ambition is sand, the lust for power is sand, riches are sand, simply ephemeral. Those who fixate on such things put in great effort for momentary pleasures, failing to recognize the vanity of their pursuits until they depart this earthly realm. For while the material life is filled with transient enjoyment, nothing accompanies them from it but their conscience.
The wise Ecclesiastes, having transitioned from the physical realm to the spiritual, speaks what we too may one day express once liberated from this sandy shore of earthly existence, with all the noise and distractions that surround us. Then, from this troubled sea, with memories of past trials, we might exclaim: ‘vanity of vanities.... all is vanity’ (Ecclesiastes 1:2), and there is no true gain for humankind in their labors under the sun’ (Ecclesiastes 1:3). Thus, it seems that each soul, once it sheds the entanglements of this life and embraces faith, will share this realization. Whatever achievements it had clung to will feel diminished when compared to the truths it has encountered, rendering past endeavors as mere shadows. But if one, tethered to materialism, suddenly confronts the reality of abandonment in what once enthralled them, they will mournfully express their sorrow with the common lament of our folly: ‘vanity of vanities,’ and so forth.