Yet we often lack the dedication to labor even a day for our eternal salvation and the pleasures of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jacob's profound love for Rachel rendered his long service effortless; in contrast, we might find even the smallest effort for our soul's salvation burdensome. Indeed, we do not hold our souls in the love they deserve, for our actions often demonstrate a disregard for salvation; we even act in animosity towards our souls through sinful deeds. As the Psalmist wisely observes: ‘He who loves unrighteousness hates his soul’ (Psalm 10:5). The angel advised Tobiah: ‘Whosoever committeth sin and iniquity is an enemy to his soul’ (Tob. 12:10). Rachel captured Jacob’s heart for a temporary union, while we, who will be reunited with our souls in eternity after the general resurrection, often neglect to love our own souls—or, if we do, it is in a superficial, rather than a spiritual manner. Many claim to love their souls merely for the comfort of earthly existence, lacking true spiritual concern, thereby endangering their souls for the afterlife, forsaking them to demonic influence, eternal fire, the undying worm, and torment that inspires fear in Satan himself. Our indifference to the eternal miseries awaiting our souls further evidences our lack of love for them. What can be more precious than a soul fashioned in God's image, immortal and eternal? And what joy surpasses that of the Kingdom of Heaven, which knows no end? Yet we disregard both treasures, treating the soul and the heavenly kingdom as insignificant in pursuit of a fleeting, sinful existence. O the depth of our folly!
In considering Jacob's two wives, Leah and Rachel, I recall St. Andrew of Crete's insights from his canon, sung during Great Lent: ‘My two wives, understand deeds and reason in sight: for Leah is deeds, as the multitudinous, Rachel reason.’ He further states: ‘Watch, O my soul, and be of good courage, as the great in the patriarchs of old, that thou mayest be able to do deeds with understanding, that thou mayest be of a mind seeing God’ (Thursday of the 5th week of Lent, Song 4). These reflections highlight how St. Andrew presents Leah and Rachel as exemplars of the essential principles of the salvific life—applying oneself to deeds while maintaining a discerning mind devoted to God. The essence of a diligent life centers on serving others, addressing the needs of the poor, feeding the hungry, providing for the naked, offering comfort to strangers, visiting the imprisoned and the sick, burying the dead, and performing acts of mercy. Additionally, there is a call to bear the burdens of obedience with fervor. The essence of discerning thought is to turn away from worldly distractions, focusing solely on God, engaging in spiritual work, and deepening one's thoughts in Him.
For those seeking salvation, both of these principles are critical, just as two eyes and two hands are essential to human functioning. While one can manage with a single eye or hand, it is clearly superior to have both. Similarly, the pursuit of salvation thrives best when one adopts a balanced focus on both diligence and godly contemplation. It is noteworthy that Jacob first united with Leah, who represents the labor of good deeds, before embracing Rachel, who symbolizes spiritual wisdom. Thus, for seekers of salvation, prioritizing a life characterized by diligent good works comes first, followed by nurturing the intellect and theological understanding. Leah bore more children than Rachel, paralleling the reality that many pursue salvation through labor, while fewer delve into the depths of theological inquiry and its rewards. However, the life devoted to God bears greater significance than one merely focused on toil.
The Gospel encapsulates both of these pathways through the figures of Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus. Martha engaged in service, while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teachings. One exemplified the path of deeds, while the other demonstrated the importance of contemplative spirituality. The Lord addressed Martha, saying: ‘Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things,’ while commending Mary, stating: ‘But Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her’ (Luke 10:41-42). The Lord did not reject Martha; her labor was pleasing to Him, as she served with the intention of honoring Him by preparing a meal. However, He honored Mary above Martha due to her singular focus on the divine word. Martha's devotion to service at the expense of spiritual connection led to her mild rebuke. Hence, the external labors of the faithful are cherished by the Lord when rooted in piety; otherwise, even good works may lead one to be preoccupied with worldly matters. A life of devotion enhances all endeavors undertaken by a committed believer. Labor devoid of piety mirrors Peter walking on water, while a pious life resembles John reclining peacefully in Christ's embrace. Thus, one embodies striving through chaos, while the other finds serenity. Christ, stretching out His hand to save Peter who sinks, reveals His secrets to John who rests.
This distinction between labor and piety becomes clear when viewed apart, yet when they unite in a singular expression of life, they embody the apostles running to Christ’s tomb. John reached the sepulcher first, signifying the precedence of a godly life in seeking salvation, allowing one to grasp Christ more swiftly. Therefore, a life anchored in devotion offers greater advantage than one fixated solely on labor, just as Rachel's beauty surpasses Leah's fertility.
For further illumination on both paths, we can reflect on two righteous figures, Moses and Arsenius. Moses devoted himself to active love, hospitality, and service to others, working diligently. In contrast, Arsenius pursued a life of silence, introspection, and solitude. Notably, a brother traveling to visit them praised Moses more highly. This sparked a prayer from another elder seeking understanding: ‘Lord, reveal to me the truth; while one shuns others for Your sake, the other receives all for Your name’s glory. Which path is nobler in Your sight?’ The elder received a vision of two majestic ships on a great river: one bearing Arsenius, directed in quietude by the Holy Spirit, and the other carrying Moses, accompanied by angels of God who enriched him with blessings. Upon sharing this revelation with other experienced fathers, they discerned that the silent life of Arsenius was more perfect, with God Himself guiding him, while Moses, despite receiving visitors, was accompanied only by angels.
The narrative of Rachel and Leah illustrates the unique gifts of God, imparted not equally but according to His divine wisdom. Rachel received physical beauty but was initially barren, birthing only two children before her death. In contrast, Leah immediately bore seven offspring after her union with Jacob, demonstrating the bounteous blessing that often accompanies good deeds. Ultimately, Leah’s lineage became that from which the Messiah, Christ, was to come, emphasizing that the fruitfulness of spiritual endeavors abounds even when they do not initially appear so."
THEOSIS