And God declared, "Let the earth bring forth a plant yielding seed according to its kind, and a tree bearing fruit, in which is its seed, after its kind." After the earth, having released its water, had settled, it was fitting for it to be instructed to grow first grass and then trees, a process that continues even now. The command from that time formed a natural law, enduring throughout time and granting the earth the ability to produce and bear fruit. "Let the earth sprout." At the inception of vegetation, the beginning manifests as a sprout; subsequently, as these sprouts rise, they witness the emergence of the "former" and later develop into grass, showcasing the gradual maturation of the plant towards completion, which includes the process of seeding. For greening and ripening are universally consistent. "Let the earth bring forth the sprouting grasses." The earth innately generates growth without external help. Although some attribute the growth to the sun, which by its warmth draws out the latent energies from the depths, the earth outshines the sun in adorning life, encouraging the misguided to cease their sun-worship and recognize it as merely a part of life. When one understands that the earth was adorned before the sun’s creation, admiration for the sun’s role diminishes, as it follows after grass and greenery. Yet, when sustenance is prepared for livestock, did we alone not warrant attention? On the contrary, He who nourishes animals also prepares blessings and enjoyment for us. For He who tends to your cattle increases your provision. The very essence of seed is essentially a reservoir for your sustenance. Moreover, many herbs and greens are, in themselves, nourishment for humanity. The scriptural word stands firm: "Let the earth bring forth herbs that yield seed according to their kind." Thus, while some plants benefit others, ultimately their contributions return to us, and we utilize the seeds. The intention of the declaration is, “that the earth may sprout birdseed-harboring herbs." This serves to realign speech, indicating the natural order in which creation operates. First the sprout, then the greenery, followed by the herb’s growth, and finally, the fulfillment emerging from the seed. One might question, "How does the Scripture depict that all which arises from the earth is inseminated, when reeds, meadows, mints, saffrons, garlics, and countless other plants appear not to produce seed?" To this, we respond that many earthly plants possess seed potential within their roots and lower parts. For instance, a reed, after a year, generates offspring from the root, effectively standing in as a seed for future plant generations. The same applies to numerous plants that, while scattered, harbor the ability to propagate through their roots. Thus, it is clear that every plant either possesses seed or conceals some seed potential, embodying the term "by the genus." The offspring of reeds don’t give rise to olive trees; rather, reeds reproduce reeds, and seeds yield their kin. Hence, all that sprouted from the earth during creation continues to do so today, maintaining the preservation of its kind through succession. "Let the earth sprout." Visualize how, with a simple utterance and soon command, the cold, barren earth suddenly prepares for birth, transforming into fertility, shedding its mournful state, dressed anew, and presenting a multitude of plant life. My hope is that you will forever treasure the marvel of creation, allowing the image of the Creator to arise in your thoughts whenever you encounter any plant. Therefore, when you behold the lushness and vibrancy in the grass, reflect upon human existence, evoking the wise words of Isaiah: "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass" (Isaiah 40:6). The brevity of life and the fleeting nature of human happiness find a fitting metaphor in the Prophet’s words. Today, one flourishes in body, caught up in transient pleasures, embodying youthful vigor and blossoming potential; yet in the morning, may swiftly find themselves withered by time or ailments. Another, adorned with wealth, is surrounded by a throng of sycophants, pretenders keen to win his favor, an entourage of disguised relatives, and numerous servants attending to every desire, inciting envy in those who see him. Should he boast civil power, royal honors, lead the populace or command the armies, beholden to fearsome followers who instill dread, what remains after a fever or an unforeseen ailment? He departs from existence, leaving behind an echo of glory that proves but a fleeting phantasm. Thus, the Prophet compares human majesty to the most fragile flower. "Let the earth bring forth herbs, sowing seed in accordance with their kind." The sequence of vegetation still attests to the original command, for each green sprout is preceded by the manifestation of a budding shoot. Whether emerging through roots or seeds, there must first be a sprout, then greenery, followed by lush growth, only to yield fruit on a tired stem. "Let the earth germinate the sprouting herbs." When the seed embeds itself in the receptive earth paired with moisture and warmth, it expands, producing roots that draw nourishment from its surroundings, while the delicate earth particles increase the seed's volume. From it, roots extend and upward shoots arise, yielding stems in proportion to the roots. With continual warmth, moisture drawn by the roots nourishes the stem, splitting vital nutrients into the skin, grains, and ears. Thus, as plants flourish, each attains its proper growth, be it wheat, legumes, vegetables, or shrubs. The design of a single herb or stalk occupies much thought, granting insight into the artistry of its creation – consider how a stalk of wheat has bulgings that support the weight of the ears laden with grain. In contrast, the oats lack such bulges, being lightweight, while the wheat's sheath protects its grains from birds and little creatures with its spiky appendages. What else shall I dwell upon? In the vast treasury of creation, one finds it challenging to single out any superiority, as each entity serves a purpose. "Let the earth sprout herbs." Alongside nutritious herbs, harmful plants exist in a delicate balance, with both wholesome and toxic varieties. Should we reject gratitude for the beneficial while blaming the Creator for that which harms? Can it be imagined that all was crafted solely for our consumption? What is beneficial for our nourishment remains within reach; the blood of an ox may prove poisonous to you. Should we have then not created such creatures, or crafting them without blood? Yet, the ox is vital for various purposes in our lives. It suffices to possess reason and prudence to safeguard against dangers. Should sheep and goats discern what endangers them through instinct, is it too much to expect from you, endowed with rationality and wisdom, to recognize what is helpful and what to avoid? Even these elements, none exist without intention or value, be it for sustenance for animals or curative remedies. Starlings consume hemlock but remain unaffected by its poison due to their unique physiological design; quails feed on the same and likewise endure. Ultimately, what might seem to incriminate the Creator serves only to amplify our gratitude. "Let the earth sprout former herbs." How many foods does the Scripture allude to, awaiting us in roots, greens, and fruits? Countless others are borne of our labor and cultivation! God commanded the earth not to produce fruit and seeds abruptly, but first to yield sprouts and greenery before culminating in seeds, shaping nature’s order for the future. They may question, "How can the earth yield seeds according to their kind, when often, having sown wheat, we harvest this black grain of wheat?" This is not a transformation into a different genus but represents affliction and disease of the seed. Here, wheat remains wheat; rather, it has suffered through burning, altering its appearance and taste through the cold. However, it is noted that with proper conditions, it can revert to its original form. Therefore, nothing in plants defies this command. The so-called tares and all other seeds not meant for consumption originate not from wheat but carry their own distinct lineage, embodying those who distort the Lord's teachings, ignorant of the Scriptures, tainted by malevolent doctrine, yet infiltrate the Church to subtly spread their corruption amongst the uninformed. The Lord likens the growth of believers to that of seed, stating, "As a man sows seed in the earth and sleeps and rises, and the seed sprouts and grows, he knows not how. The earth brings forth first the grass, then the ear, and after that the full grain in the ear" (Mark 4:26-28). "Let the earth germinate the former." The earth, abiding by its Creator’s decree, swiftly experiences various growth stages, reaching maturity almost instantaneously. Lush meadows overflow with grass, fertile plains sway with ripened stock, resembling the undulating sea. In abundance, every green entity, every edible shoot, all shrubs, and pod-bearing plants appeared upon the earth. None of this growth was hindered by inexperience in agriculture, unyielding weather, or other factors; all came to fruition before the condemnation that incited mankind’s toil – the curse compelling us to earn bread by the sweat of our brow. Yet it was said, "And the fruitful tree that bears fruit, in which is its seed, after its kind and after its likeness upon the earth." At this decree, bushes multiplied, and towering trees—firs, cedars, cypresses—burgeoned from the ground. Young trees suddenly flourished with numerous branches; the plants recognized for their crowns—roses, myrtles, and laurel—emerged. None of these existed before, all appeared in an instant, each uniquely defined and distinct from others. The rose, initially thornless, later bore thorns alongside its beauty, a reminder of the sorrow of our sin that resulted in the earth's production of “thorns and thistles” (Genesis 3:18). Skeptics may question, "Why does the earth produce 'a fruitful tree that bears fruit,' yet many trees lack fruit or seed?" The answer lies in the understanding that these plants are those deemed superior. Closer inspection reveals that every tree possesses either seed or an equivalent. Even willows, reeds, and other trees seemingly barren, upon scrutiny, exhibit seeds nestled beneath leaves, aptly termed μισχος. Branchless trees draw life from their myriad roots, with root shoots potentially serving as seeds and contributing to the propagation of their kind. Primarily, those trees highlighted are those that sustain our lives—grapevines producing wine that "gladdens the heart," and the olive tree, providing oil that "anoints the face" (Psalms 103:15). Consider the swift creation of such productive wonder! The vine's roots, sprawling branches, buds, and green grapes form a tapestry that enhances your thoughts; surely you recognize the Lord's likeness in calling Himself "the vine," with the Father as the "vinedresser," and each of us as "the branches" through faith nurtured within the Church, urged to bear fruit lest we face the fire of worthlessness (John 15:1-6). In every aspect, human souls are likened to vines; it is noted, "The vine was to the beloved as a rose, in a place where it thrived." Additionally, "I will plant the vine and build a fence around it" (Isaiah 5:1, 2). Indubitably, the vine symbolizes human souls, enclosed within a protective hedge—commandments delineating a pathway and guardian angels watching over. "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him" (Psalms 33:8). Like a fortified refuge, "He set in the Church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers" (1 Corinthians 12:28). Through the roles of ancient and revered individuals, our thoughts are raised upwards, not left to languish beneath contempt. He wishes for us to entwine with one another in love’s embrace, aspiring to heights like the twisting branches of grapevines, striving for the peaks of highest virtue.
THEOSIS