It is worthwhile to consider the teachings found in the book of Ecclesiastes at this point. We have first learned from the text that the figure of Ecclesiastes, representing all of creation, seeks the lost and unifies them. He Himself sanctifies earthly existence. The things of this world, referred to in Scripture as being "under heaven," are fraught with deception and shortcomings. In our second exploration, we discerned that Solomon's reflections included a condemnation of a life characterized by pleasure and passion, thus providing us a strong incentive to reject such a lifestyle. After all, the one who had every means to indulge in enjoyment disdained what many consider desirable, deeming it as meaningless.
What, then, can we gather from this passage in the third dialogue? It seems to convey a valuable message for those within the Church, namely, the acknowledgment of deeds that defy reason, which instills a profound sense of shame within the soul. Such shame is a significant deterrent to sin, a divine endowment intended to cultivate in us a aversion to the gravest of evils. Shame and the accompanying distressing feeling are intertwined; both can help crucify sin if one desires to harness this aspect of the soul for that very purpose. Often, shame proves to be a stronger teacher in eschewing inappropriate actions than fear alone. The shame that follows the revelation of wrongdoing is sufficient to prevent recurrence.
If one were to draw a distinction between two forms of shame, the deeper feeling of shame can be perceived as the more intense form, while fleeting embarrassment may represent a lesser degree. The distinction and interrelation of these painful sensations can be observed on one's face. Genuine shame manifests as a blush, arising from the natural compassion of the soul, coupled with a heart's fervor that causes warmth to surface. Conversely, a deeper shame, resulting from the exposure of a fault, can present as a blue or purple hue, as fear mingles with embarrassment. Such discomfort serves as a powerful motivator to those who engage in incongruous actions, preventing them from remaining in the shame induced by their misdeeds.
If this is indeed the case, and Scripture acknowledges the essential feeling of shame inherent to mankind as a guard against transgressions, then confessing one’s sins is a worthy lesson for the Church. By doing so, one fortifies the soul with shame as a weapon. Just as a person, burdened by excessive indulgence, may manifest discomfort in their body which, when healed through necessary actions, serves as a reminder to avoid past excesses, so too does the one who acknowledges their transgressions earn a mentor in their recollection of shame.
This is what the Church conveys through the present scriptural reading from Ecclesiastes. In frank discourse, it offers a confession of deeds committed, suggesting that ignorance and silence about one’s actions may seem more honorable than speaking of them. Whether the author genuinely experienced these things or constructed them for our benefit, I cannot definitively state. Yet, he conveys insights that one virtuous in character would likely not admit freely. If, with a discerning eye, he describes actions he did not partake in as if he had, aiming to dissuade us from pursuing what is indeed condemned, it is left to the interpretation of the willing observer whether his experiences were real or illustrative.
Should anyone assert that Solomon truly learned life's pleasures through experience, we can understand this analogy-wise: Just as those who dive into the ocean for treasure do not delight in the depths’ discomfort but are driven by the hope of reward, so Solomon, if he indeed indulged, did so with the intent of uncovering wisdom rather than becoming immersed in the frivolities of pleasure.
What he discovered serves both to diminish the cravings of the body through indulgence and to affirm the worthiness of an experience now deemed undesirable by the enlightened. According to the saying, physicians tend to excel in treating ailments they have personally known, as their firsthand suffering provides them the best insights into healing.
Let us consider what the one who restores our lives identifies as trials endured throughout His existence. He proclaims, "Magnify, saith He, my creation, make my houses." The opening statement itself begins with a condemnation, emphasizing "my creation" rather than God's broader creation. This suggests pleasure derived from sensory experiences, an umbrella term that, when scrutinized, requires countless subdivisions to fulfill different pleasures.
When one immerses themselves in material pursuits, they must scrutinize every corner for possible satisfaction. Just as a single source of water can nourish many streams while maintaining its essence, pleasure too remains a singular pursuit but manifests diversely in human endeavors, catering to the needs of life. Life necessitates shelter to shield humanity from the extremes of temperature; thus, a home serves an essential purpose. Yet, driven by pleasure, individuals sometimes step beyond necessity.
People do not simply seek shelter for essential protection, but indulge in aesthetic enhancements, lamenting not having decorated their homes with the ambiance of heaven. They spread their dwellings wide, crafting a tapestry of spaces adorned to impress. They construct lofty walls and ornate interiors with diverse materials, from Laconian and Thessalian stone to precious fossils, seeking to dazzle the eye with a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues and intricate designs.
Countless efforts, intricate designs, and wondrous techniques transform raw materials into captivating works, as artisans toil tirelessly to create beauty. The quest for earthly ornamentation also leads to the manipulation of glass, adorned with colors, enriching the display of opulence. How does one adequately recount the artistry of ceilings that mimic nature, where cedar becomes chiseled into lifelike representations of trees, complete with branches and leaves?
And amid various splendors, why should one be fixated on a multitude of structures giving rise to pleasures that extend beyond necessary living? Buildings crafted for entertainment or leisure abound, from halls for gatherings to entrances leading nowhere of immediate awe. The extravagance of such architecture must captivate, as those entering long for visual marvel.
Yet, Solomon criticizes the redundant showcase of such structures, arguing that accumulating elaborate edifices signifies nothing beyond a diversion from genuine necessities. Within the growing obsession for physical beauty lies the stark truth of the soul’s neglect, reflecting a dearth of inner adornment. The attentive soul, conscious of their true dwelling, grasps the essence of attracting God into their life.
I understand gold, which can illuminate through expressions rooted in profound truths, and silver, representing the unfolding wisdom of God's word, casting light that pierces through darkness. In this temple of the soul, each virtue must be thoughtfully arranged for optimal decoration. Let the foundation stand firm on self-discipline, ensuring that earthly distractions find no purchase in those who inhabit it.
Allow divine confidence to illuminate the vaulted ceiling, where, with eyes enlightened, one perceives not mere representations by human artistry but rather glimpses the true Image of beauty, far surpassing material wealth. If one seeks descriptions of such finite adornments, let integrity and steadfastness enrich the interior here; let truth and righteousness embellish the foundational layers there, while humility and generosity radiate upon one side, and God-fearing piety graces the other.
Through all this crafting, love emerges as the ultimate artist, harmonizing the elements. Should you desire ornamental fountains or refreshing streams, the commandments offer you that very cleansing water; David himself rejoiced in such a source at night. The pillars supporting the soul's entrance need not be fashioned from earthly tones but should instead reflect unwavering commitment to virtuous living.
Such a dwelling, filled with the true essence of truth, offers no room for superficial representations, whether painted or sculpted, that attempt to mimic reality. If one yearns for movement, let your exercises take place along the paths of the commandments. Indeed, wisdom declares, “In the paths of righteousness I walk, and in the midst of the paths of justification I dwell” (Proverbs 8:20). How beautiful it is to navigate these righteous paths and to retrace one's steps, developing an ever-deepening excellence of character through obedience.
The builder who fosters beauty in their life disregards material excess, eschewing the allure of shiny trinkets and knowingly frivolous pursuits. Rather, they find their wealth in the cultivation of virtues, which illuminate their path without requiring the adornments of this world. For the child of righteousness deciphers the futility of greed, while the foolish regard indulgence as a source of amusement. In the face of passion as it pertains to wine, the potential for amusing mishaps permeates our conversation.
The effects of excessive drinking are thoroughly documented: It incites obscenity, complicating youth and bringing dishonor to relationships, stirs disorder, dulls sensibility, and distances one from virtue. With regretful jubilance, wine provokes laughter without merit, tears without cause, unjust boasting, unfounded fears, and others that spring from its grasp, leading to various forms of disarray and weakness.
What of Lot's degradation and the depravity that descended upon his daughters? What overtook his mind, leading to such shameful acts, and what names did he create for the offspring of his sins? Who muddled the lines of nature so that his children were both son and granddaughter? Was it not the overpowering influence of wine that incited this grievous misdeed? His intoxication warped his understanding, birthing a fable-like narrative steeped in calamity.
“Indeed, they made their father drunk with wine” (Genesis 19:33). Thus, deprived of reason by inebriation, he succumbed to this sorrowful account, blinded to the implications of his actions. How terrible it is to consider the detrimental legacy of Sodom's produce; better had that wine perished before giving rise to such tragic outcomes! With ample examples of wine's ruinous effects, the one who shamelessly confesses to indulging not only in its consumption but also in providing others with an abundance of it, states: “I will plant my vines even where I have no need.”
Indeed, he likens himself to a spiritual vine, bearing fruit that beautifies instead of mere leaves, enriching the sphere with sweetness and virtue. By nurturing this within oneself, one cultivates the kind of wine that enlivens the heart, fulfilling the land with abundance, as prescribed by the wisdom of old. In doing so, he severs those ties detrimental to spiritual health and employs reflection to irrigate the soul with meaningful insights.
Yet, he who clings to earthly pursuits demonstrates a lack of awareness regarding this spiritual cultivation, opting instead to chase after ornate gardens and superficial embellishments. The longing for many gardens pales when one envisions a paradise within. The pursuit of gardens yielding transient delights loses relevance against a yearning for the solid nourishment of the spirit.
Yet, when luxury eclipses necessity, indulgence stretches beyond the bounds of moderation, resulting in extravagance and frivolity. Amidst these lush surroundings, where nature's artistry thrives under the care of the gardener, the landscape morphs into a sphere of unquenchable desire. All manner of vibrant plants thrive, promising a feast for the eyes, offering a taste of pleasure in every season, with intertwining branches demonstrating the fusion of various flavors and appearances.
THEOSIS