THEOSISGregory of Nyssa
After examining these matters, Ecclesiastes reflects: I will discern if my heart will gravitate like wine to my flesh, meaning I intend to discover how spiritual concerns can take precedence over bodily impulses, ensuring harmony within our nature instead of discord, when the mind opts for one path while the flesh inclines toward another. This harmony allows our earthly reasoning to submit to the rational aspect of the soul, where the lesser desires are overwhelmed and absorbed by the more abundant, akin to those who thirst. Just as wine, when brought to the thirsty lips, does not stay confined within the cup but rather spills over into the drinker, transforming the one who imbibes deeply into a more buoyant state.
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Upon my realization of this, my journey toward understanding became certain and unimpeded. "My heart, my heart," Ecclesiastes proclaims, “guide me in wisdom,” through which I triumphed over the allure of indulgence; and this enlightenment served as my foundation for maintaining joy.
The essence of these words, in relation to my readings, expresses my deep longing to be guided, not to squander my existence on vanity, but rather to seek out the good that, once attained, leads to accurate discernment of true value and remains steadfast, not fleeting, throughout life. It instills hope for enduring goodness across all stages—beginning, middle, and end—and throughout all my days. “I shall observe,” he states, “the good deeds of mankind under the sun over the span of their lives.” While the desires of the flesh often serve as temptations for the senses in the moment, their gratification is short-lived. For no pleasure derived from the body can sustain enjoyment for long; the joy of drinking ends with satisfaction, and in eating, the fullness of the stomach diminishes the appetite. Similarly, every other desire wanes once fulfilled, and if it reemerges, it fades once more. Nothing appealing to the senses endures eternally.
Moreover, various experiences are beneficial for a child, different for a young adult, distinct for a mature individual, and yet again for the elderly, including those who gaze down toward the earth. Yet I, Ecclesiastes asserts, have pursued that goodness which holds equal merit at every stage of life—such a goodness where one is neither exhausted nor satisfied, for even when one partakes, desire persists, and pleasure grows together with longing, unfettered by the age of the seeker. The more one delights in this goodness, the more it fosters an increase in desire, igniting fresh pleasure, remaining ever beautiful for those who cherish it, unaffected by the fluctuations of time and age. Whether one turns their gaze or lifts their sight, amid prosperity or adversity, throughout night or day—in essence, it serves as a universal good, remaining unchanged for those in unfortunate circumstances.
In my view, this represents the genuine goodness that Solomon endeavored to explore: “what humans accomplish under the sun throughout their lifetimes.” It appears to me as nothing less than a work of faith, a reality universally accessible, offered to all who yearn for it, omnipotent and perpetually present in life. This is the good work that may also dwell within us, through Christ Jesus our Lord. To Him be glory forever and ever! Amen.