Is there anyone who has lived and has not tasted death? The Psalmist even states, “Thou art fearful, and who shall stand before Thy face when Thou art angry?” He who was “angry” when man sinned in Paradise has set a decree of mortality for the flesh that will never change, not now nor at the last moment. Therefore, let it be affirmed, For You write harsh things against me. Furthermore, He also notes: And You charge me with the sins of my youth. The holy person demonstrates no concern for sins committed in later life; rather, he fears the transgressions of his youth. It is essential to recognize that, just as there are stages of physical growth, there are also phases of mental development that correlate with age. The initial stage of life is infancy, where an individual, although innocent, lacks the ability to articulate the purity within. Following this is adolescence, during which one gains the capacity for expression. Next comes youth, recognized as the first stage of active life, then manly maturity, characterized by the fortitude of the mind, and finally old age, which aligns with mental maturity. Hence, since we define the first age capable of conscious good actions as youth, the righteous, having reached significant mental maturity, may reflect on the beginnings of their actions and reproach themselves for early missteps, especially as they have gained in wisdom and prudence. It is indeed true, as the holy individual acknowledges, that it is the sins of youth that evoke his fear. However, if this is already documented, we must reflect on how severe are the transgressions of adults and the elderly, particularly if the holy person experiences such apprehension over the mistakes committed during times of weakness.
THEOSIS