THEOSISIgnatij (Briantchaninow)
A person who recognizes their wrongdoing, possesses reverence for the Lord, and experiences genuine remorse must earnestly seek from God the blessing of tears through dedicated prayer. Consider the example of Askhan, the daughter of Calev, who, after being married and receiving land as her dowry, implored her father with deep sorrow and weeping as she rode on a donkey towards her husband’s home. She requested that he grant her an additional parcel of fertile land filled with water, saying, "To the land of the south (dry) thou hast given me, give me also a spring of water." Calev granted his daughter's request. The Holy Fathers interpret Askhan as representing the soul, which, much like a rider on a donkey, is influenced by the silent impulses of the flesh.
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The barren land signifies labor done in accordance with the fear of God. Askhan’s initial groanings and tears resonate with the profound necessity for every ascetic to fervently implore the Lord for the gift of tears, often accompanied by sighs and heartfelt lamentation. When seeking this divine gift, one must strive to evoke these tears, as personal effort and labor can both precede and accompany their flowing.