THEOSISJerome of Stridon
What I have found to be commendable and most advantageous is to partake in food and drink, and to take delight in all the work that one undertakes under the sun, during the span of days that God has granted to him, for this constitutes his portion. Furthermore, every individual to whom God has bestowed wealth and possessions, and has enabled them to enjoy these gifts, as well as to take pleasure in their labor, experiences a divine blessing. For he will scarcely recall the days of his existence, as God fills his heart with joy. He states that in contrast to those who spend their lives in darkness, burdened by worries and accumulating fleeting treasures with great distress, it is far better to embrace the present.
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For there is at least a degree of joy in present enjoyment, while the other yields only significant anxieties. He provides reasons illustrating that the capacity to relish one’s wealth is indeed a divine gift. This is because, as he notes, one will hardly remember the days of their life, given that God fills them with joy in their hearts; they will not be sorrowful or tormented by troubling thoughts, being instead uplifted by happiness and immediate satisfaction. Yet, it is more fitting, as the Apostle articulates (1 Cor. 10:3), to comprehend here the spiritual sustenance and spiritual drink provided by God, and to perceive goodness in every endeavor; through diligent effort and noble acts, we can recognize the true good. This is our heritage: to find joy in our work and achievements. While this is indeed favorable, until Christ is revealed through our lives, it cannot be regarded as complete goodness. Consequently, God will only have a faint recollection of the days we inhabit. It should also be noted that in this context, the term περισπασμός is interpreted positively, as it pertains to an experience of genuine spiritual joy.