If the sun’s relentless journey knows no bounds and the cycle of light and darkness can’t pause, if the earth, bound to its position, stands immobile, and if the rivers toil without benefit, emptying themselves into the insatiable sea, which draws in waters in vain without profit—if we recognize this pattern within these elements, what can be said of humanity, which also exists within these same forces? No wonder then that “the generation goes and the generation comes,” as the flow continues unfaltering, while each new wave of humanity pursues and displaces the one before it. Therefore, what does this message proclaim to the Church? “Behold the universe and understand your own nature.” Observe the heavens, the earth, the sun, and the sea; let these reflections reveal truths about yourselves. For just as the sun has an east and a west, so too does our own nature navigate a singular path, a cyclical flow of life. From the moment we enter this world, we are drawn towards our cherished homeland. When life sets, our illumination is hidden, only for our senses to yearn for light again; surely, the earth reflects that relationship. This cycle perpetually spins the same way. Ecclesiastes notes, the sun rises over the earth, crossing southern domains and then sinking below, tracing its course back again, consistently returning to its path. Therefore, just as the sun goes round, “the spirit goes, and to its rounds it turns,” and whoever comprehends this will glean significant insight for their existence.
What shines brighter than light? What is clearer than the sun’s rays? Yet, when the sun descends beneath the earth, its brilliance is veiled, its radiance dissipated. Reflecting on this, an individual may choose a life of purity, casting aside earthly status, recognizing that fame is fleeting. The succession of contrasting states—youth, beauty, and power—changes relentlessly; nothing remains fixed for those who dwell in comfort. For those who find the virtuous path difficult, let the enduring nature of the earth inspire resilience through trials. “The earth abides forever.” What could be more challenging than this steadfast existence? Still, its endurance stretches through the ages. Your time for virtuous acts is brief; do not be more lifeless than the earth or more foolish than the unthinking. You, who possess reason and are guided by it in life, should “abide,” as the Apostle exhorts, “in the teachings you have received” (2 Tim. 3:14), unwavering and resolute, as the divine commandments instruct: “be steadfast, immovable” (1 Cor. 15:58). Let virtue remain firmly within you, faith unwavering, and love constant, standing strong in all that is good as “the earth abides in you forever.” However, if someone succumbs to greed, like the sea vast and insatiable, never satisfied with the wealth that flows in from all sides, let them look to the sea itself for healing. Just as the sea, amidst its dark influxes, remains unchanged, knowing no excess despite its continual fillings, so too is the nature of humanity confined to specific measures in enjoying what it possesses. Human desire cannot extend beyond its natural limits; therefore, as the stream of wealth stops flowing, so too does the capacity for pleasure reach its boundaries. If earthly pleasures cannot surpass what is naturally allotted, why do we seek to hoard wealth, withholding it from others, never sharing beyond our own needs?
Considering our understanding of vanity, whether through idle words or pointless deeds, it is paramount to begin our discourse with this truth: all worldly pursuits undertaken with selfish intentions are empty. Human wisdom dedicated to worldly concerns is akin to children playing in the sand; their joy ceases once the playtime concludes. When the labor ceases, the sand remains just as it was, leaving no trace of efforts made. Thus, human life, pursuits for status, lust for power, and the desire for riches are like grains of sand—fleeting and insubstantial. Those entrapped by such illusions toil endlessly for fleeting pleasures; upon departing from the tangible realm of existence, they will grasp the futility of their endeavours. Material satisfaction accompanies worldly life, yet one leaves it all behind, taking only their conscience. Ecclesiastes, it seems, speaks as one who has traversed out of this life to enter the immaterial realm; he expresses thoughts we too may echo when we escape the sandy shores of worldly desires, removed from the tumultuous waves that overwhelm and distract us. Then, reflecting on the burdens of our past, we might declare, “vanity of vanities... all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2), and question “What gain has man from all his labor under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:3). Accordingly, I believe this will resonate within the heart of every soul, acknowledging the worldly attachments cast off when stepping into the life of faith. For if in this life one has achieved something lofty, they will reconsider their past pursuits against the newfound truth, revealing their former endeavors as insignificant. But if one, entrapped by desire, experiences the futility of their previous pursuits, they will mournfully lament in the way we often express our regret, sorrowfully attributing to themselves the label of “vanity of vanities.”
THEOSIS