The produce from such rich branches is trampled by wandering creatures, and the sight of their bounty only spurs greater insatiability among the beasts. Thus, while the deeds of the hypocrites seem externally fruitful, directed as they are toward human applause, it is as if they remain abandoned on the earth. The evil spirits of this world consume these actions, as they claim them for destruction, devouring with increased hunger the more magnificent the works and the more recognized they become. Consequently, the prophet aptly remarked that they stand as stems without buds, bearing no nourishment, and even if nourishment were present, strangers would consume it. A stem that lacks buds represents a life devoid of virtuous qualities, while a stem devoid of nourishing buds describes someone who, although thriving in this world, is ignorant of the paths of perfection and produces no fruits of good practice.
Frequently, even when producing sustenance, outsiders partake of it, for the hypocrites, in their outward proclamation of good actions, inadvertently feed evil spirits who find delight therein. Those who fail to seek God's pleasure do not nourish the rightful heirs, but instead sustain the outsiders. Therefore, a hypocrite, resembling a bountiful yet untrimmed vine branch, cannot raise his fruit high; instead, the bunch of good works lies flat on the ground. Yet, he foolishly feeds on his own delusions, as through good deeds he receives accolades from all, is exalted above others, captivates the minds of men, ascends to lofty positions, and enjoys high praise. This folly seems to gratify him temporarily, but it offers no satisfaction when the reckoning arrives, and through chastisement, it becomes evident that he has acted unwisely. He will realize his foolishness when, in exchange for his quest for honor, he faces the reproach of divine correction. At that juncture, he will comprehend how misguided he has been, as his fleeting glory leads to an eternal state of torment. The corrections reveal the genuine understanding of truth, for through them, he must ultimately conclude that all that was ephemeral is meaningless; hence his assertion regarding the trust that resembles a spider's web.
The trust of the hypocrite is rightly likened to a spider's web, as all their struggles and efforts to attain glory are ultimately scattered by the winds of mortality. Since they never pursue eternal matters, they forfeit along with time all temporal blessings. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that spiders meticulously weave their threads, and hypocrites similarly organize their pursuits with discernment. The web is intricately crafted through toil but is abruptly torn apart by sudden forces. For the hypocrite's diligent labor yields nothing of lasting value, as worldly acknowledgment dissipates their efforts; the applause they seek reduces their work to nothingness, akin to labor lost to the wind. Frequently, these hypocritical works endure until the very end of earthly existence, yet, knowing they are not aimed at glorifying their Creator, such deeds will never be deemed worthy in God's eyes. As previously discussed, they often excel in understanding sacred law, offering lessons and solidifying beliefs, yet they do not genuinely strive to uplift the lives of their listeners; rather, they pursue their own acclaim. They are incapable of presenting anything that might inspire their audience toward heartfelt repentance and are blind to the truth that a heart fixated on earthly desires cannot ignite the flame of divine love. Therefore, words emerging from a heart devoid of warmth can never kindle a passion for heavenly affection.
It is often the case that the language of hypocrites does not edify their listeners; instead, it may lead to deterioration within themselves due to the pride that grows from their accolades. As Paul reminds us, knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Thus, that which lacks the foundation of love will only lead to pride without true edification. Many hypocrites zealously exert themselves to subdue the flesh, exhausting their physical strength and leaning towards a state of near-death, all while they seek the admiration of others. The Truth reveals their intentions when it states that they make dark faces to appear to men to be fasting. Their countenances grow pale, their bodies tremble from weakness, and their chests rise and fall heavily with labored breaths. In the midst of this suffering, they crave the flattering words of their peers, directing their relentless efforts solely toward obtaining worldly esteem. They symbolize Simon, who was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus during His Passion. It is recorded that they encountered a Cyrenean named Simon, who was conscripted to bear His cross. Actions borne of compulsion lack sincere love and devotion. Thus, Simon's bearing of Jesus' cross under duress symbolizes yielding to self-control not for pure intentions. Moreover, does one not bear the cross of Jesus for other reasons when, according to the Lord's command, they subdue the flesh devoid of love for true righteousness? Consequently, Simon bears the cross but does not partake in death, just as every hypocrite imposes hardship upon the body through abstinence while dwelling in peace driven by the pursuit of glory.
In stark contrast, as Paul affirms concerning the elect, those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. To truly crucify the flesh with its vices signifies restraining one's cravings to seek nothing but the glory of God. Those who afflict the flesh while pursuing honors merely bear the cross externally; inwardly, they live in greater depravity. It often occurs that a hypocrite flaunting an appearance of holiness unlawfully gains a place of prominence, which he would never attain through genuine merit. That which he gains for pleasure is transient, while that which arrives as punishment is eternal. Hence, his false confidence in holiness derives from the testimonies of man; when faced with the inner Judge revealing all hidden matters, no commendations from the outside world will stand. It is wisely stated that trust resembling a spider's web falls away when the truth of the heart is unveiled, upon which their confidence had rested, grounded in the hollow applause of humanity.
THEOSIS