THEOSISPhilaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
The fleeting pleasures of the world and the flesh ultimately lead to sorrow, as the wise Solomon observes (Proverbs 14:13). In contrast, our Lord and Savior teaches that “blessed are those who weep” with tears of genuine spiritual compassion, to whom be glory alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
In essence, physical pleasure, by nature, is inherently flawed. When intertwined with discomfort, it becomes wearisome, ultimately leading to distressing outcomes. This form of pleasure not only vanishes but often transforms into something contrary. The most treacherous adversary is the deceiver, and sensual enjoyment poses the gravest threat among them. Do we not observe the path it paves for those who willingly succumb to its allure? It leads them to delayed contrition, ill health, poverty, disgrace, despair, and ultimately destruction. We witness how a life steeped in indulgence ravages the wellbeing of individuals perhaps more frequently than disastrous misfortunes, unforeseen and inescapable.
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Is it not evident that trivial distractions are more likely to undermine the health of those who engage in them than the arduous work of laborers? Those who make themselves voluntary captives to sensuality find themselves enslaved by habit, eventually becoming its victims, suffering from ailments and confined by the judgments of their healers. Yet, the most alarming truth is the observation of those whose souls crave Sabbath rest, feasting, merriment, and who seek to indulge in such pleasures at the end of their days. They fail to find respite upon their deathbeds. Instead, they transition with these same cravings toward a realm devoid of earthly pleasures, filled instead with the spiritual, an existence they scarcely fathomed. What awaits them there? If there were no hell, where the fire is unquenchable, the worm remains alive, and there is weeping and gnashing of teeth, their ignited sensual desires, left unfulfilled, would torment them like burning flames and piercing anguish. Such shall be the fate of those who, according to the words of the Wise One, ‘imputed the plaything to be our belly’ (Prem. 15:12). ‘Woe unto you that laugh now, for ye shall weep and wail’ (Luke 6:25).