Purify yourselves. But what is the benefit of that? To achieve cleanliness. And what is the goal of purity? To behold God. Is mere cleansing sufficient, granting forgiveness for past wrongdoings while allowing one to remain at ease? Or is more required? Remove the falsehoods from your hearts in My view. Learn to act righteously, for moral instruction is often not readily apparent nor disclosed to all immediately; it necessitates a process of learning to perform good deeds. For it is written: "Righteousness, righteousness shall you pursue" (Deuteronomy 16:20), meaning that one should engage in just acts according to the statutes of righteousness. Just as one might effect healing without adhering to the principles of medicine, one can also perform actions that may appear righteous while being fundamentally unjust.
For instance, the use of a medicinal herb pertains to healing, observed through the lens of medical practice, where the potency of the herb, the nature of the ailment, timing, dosage, and method of application are all considered. Yet, actions taken within the framework of science differ significantly from random actions. The one who adheres to artistic principles will consistently yield the same beneficial result, provided they follow these guidelines. In contrast, those who act spontaneously may not always achieve favorable outcomes; what aids in one instance might cause harm in another. Likewise, training in goodness, guided by principles, should be conducted with honor, as it is the internal law that directs every deed.
The prophet emphasizes the importance of learning righteous conduct, stating, "Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:10). Additionally, David highlights the necessity of imparting the fear of God when he says, "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord" (Psalm 33:12). Call forth justice, the judgment of Christ, by which He evaluates and rewards us according to our deeds. Without seeking Him and keeping Him in sight, we cannot persist in doing good; for the meditation on the anticipated and awe-inspiring Judgment serves as our compass for godliness. Everything will be subjected to scrutiny and judgment; nothing occurs without purpose or randomness.
For it is said, "You do all things with counsel" (Sirach 32:21) and "The thoughts of the righteous are just" (Proverbs 12:5). Thus, it is vital for the mind, acting as the highest authority within us, to consistently reason and reflect upon what should be spoken and done, allowing careful thought to lead to action and aspirations of the soul to be fulfilled. As Paul states, "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged" (1 Corinthians 11:31).
Assist the aggrieved. There are two types of offenses: some pertain to physical matters such as possessions and external circumstances, while others affect the soul. Yet, regardless of the type, we are tasked with aiding those who are hurt. We must understand that we should prioritize care for those whose essential well-being is at stake. For those ensnared by the devil and held captive, our diligent efforts should focus on liberating them from his grasp and leading their minds into Christ's obedience.
At the same time, we must also strive to alleviate the suffering of those in need from physical afflictions when they succumb to the tyranny of oppressors, swept away by their violence. If we are unable to free them, we should offer words of consolation to help them endure, sparing no effort on our part. Even if we cannot achieve the desired outcome in this endeavor, we shall at least show love and compassion as brethren.
Render justice for the orphans, for they are often overlooked, and it is difficult for them to seek justice. Therefore, ensure that you act on behalf of orphans who lack advocates, compensating for what they are missing in their vulnerabilities, so that you may proudly claim, "I am a father to the needy" (Job 29:16). This sentiment can also be understood on a more spiritual level.
Since God is referred to as the Father of those who believe in Christ and live in accordance with the Gospel, if anyone, through transgressions of the law, alienates himself from God and finds himself orphaned due to the withdrawal of divine care, it is your duty to help restore him to fellowship with God through wise and truthful judgment, avoiding unreasonable condescension or harsh expulsion. Instead, offer him means of repentance that are constructive.
And since it is stated that all who sin are of the devil (1 John 3:8), if someone chooses to sever ties with that evil lineage and embraces the doctrine of righteousness, seeking to be reborn through the Gospel of Christ and thus become a truly blessed orphan, then let him receive special care from those who build a community of shared goods for all.
The value of orphanhood is seen in the Psalms, where it is instructed that the children of Judah be distanced from evil. It is thus justly wished that the ungodly influence be removed, leaving them devoid of a corrupt mentor, who, ensnared by greed, deserves the labels of thief and traitor. Justify the widow, for she is one who, due to her frailty, endures many trials, being vulnerable to those who wish to exploit her.
Assist the widow by all means, ensuring she receives justice, particularly if she is a genuine widow bereft of human support, yet places her complete trust in God and persists in prayer, maintaining purity in her devotion and heart. God often refers to the soul as His bride; if the soul has become a widow through turning away from Christ and spiritual infidelity through idolatry, she must be justified and learn of her redemption through repentance.
Moreover, the fleshly Israel represents a widowed Church that has been liberated from the burdens of the law, allowing her to unite with another husband, Christ, who pledges Himself to her for her salvation, without branding her an adulteress. Thus, it is imperative that she, too, receives justification, guided by our instruction in the truth of Christ's Gospel.
THEOSIS