Despite an abundance of worldly success, you feel deep within that happiness is fleeting, for the true joy you seek resides in Christ’s promise. This longing elevates you, enabling you to recite the Song of Ascents.
Where, then, are the ladders? For we perceive an immense chasm between heaven and earth, a vast distance between the realms. We desire to reach up there, yet see no means. Are we deceived by singing the Song of Ascents? We journey upwards to heaven when we contemplate God, who creates pathways for ascension in the heart. What does it entail to ascend in the heart? It means progressing towards God. Just as failure results in a fall rather than mere descent, so too does spiritual growth equate to elevation; yet one must rise without succumbing to pride. To avoid arrogance, one must lift their gaze towards Him who dwells in the heavens, being mindful of Him rather than oneself.
If, dear brethren, we restrict our understanding of heaven to the physical sky seen by our eyes, then we deceive ourselves into thinking that we cannot ascend without ladders or machines. However, if our ascent is one of love, then heaven embodies righteousness. What constitutes the heaven of God? It is the abode of all holy and righteous souls. Even the Apostles, in their earthly forms, represented heaven; for the Lord, residing within them, traversed the entirety of creation. Thus, He resides in heaven. How is this? For as long as they are a temple through faith, as long as Christ lives within them by that faith, as the Apostle says, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." Those who behold God face to face are truly in heaven—the Apostles, the holy Virtues and Powers, the celestial Jerusalem that we long for, and for which we pray. There, God resides, as the Psalmist expressed faith and love with an earnest hope; this very yearning cleanses the soul from sin and purifies it from all stain, transforming it into heaven itself by lifting its gaze to Him who inhabits heaven. If we designate that heaven visible to our physical eyes as the dwelling of God, we must acknowledge that such a dwelling will eventually diminish, for both heaven and earth shall pass away (Matthew 24:35). Therefore, prior to the creation of heaven and earth, where did God dwell? Some might ask, Where was He before creating the saints? God dwelt within Himself, eternally abiding in Himself. And when He takes residence in the saints, it is not as a physical house where His absence would cause a collapse. Our dwelling differs from God's dwelling among the saints; you reside in a house, and should it be taken away, you would cease to exist there. But God's presence in the saints is such that should He withdraw, they do not cease to exist.
What, then, is the significance of the phrase, "To You I lift up my eyes" (Psalm 121:2)? How have you raised your gaze? Just as the eyes of the servants look expectantly at the hands of their masters, and as a maiden looks to her mistress, so our eyes remain fixed upon the Lord our God until He shows us mercy. Both male and female serve; He is our Master and Mistress alike. What does this imply? The arrangement is quite ordinary if we consider ourselves servants directed by Him as our Master, but it becomes extraordinary when we regard ourselves as virgins with Him as our Mistress. Yet even our role as virgins is fitting, as we are the Church, and it is certainly fitting that He is our Mistress, as He embodies the Power and Wisdom of God.
Therefore, when you hear of Christ, lift your gaze to the hands of your Master; when you learn of the Power and Wisdom of God, turn your eyes to those of your Mistress, for you are both servant and handmaiden—the people and the Church. This handmaiden has attained great dignity with God; she has become united in a sacred union. Yet until the time she can enjoy the One she loves, free from fear amidst this arduous journey, she remains betrothed, receiving a profound pledge—His blood for whom she yearns unreservedly. It is not said to her, "You shall not love," as may be the case for a betrothed girl not yet wed. Indeed, it is said rightly, for to love that which is uncertain may be ill-advised and undisciplined, as she may be pledged to one man but eventually wed to another. Yet, in the case of Christ, as there is none to compare, let her love without fear; prior to her union, let her love deeply and yearn from the distance of her wandering.
For we are filled with contempt (Psalm 121:3). All those who desire to live righteously in Christ will face reproach (2 Timothy 3:12), scorned by those who cling to earthly existence. Those who claim happiness through what is visible ridicule the unseen faith of believers, taunting, “What do you believe, you fool?” Do you perceive the object of your faith? Did anyone return from the realm of the dead to tell of its conditions? "I enjoy what I see and have," they assert. You may face disdain because you hope for that which is yet unseen, while those with tangible possessions scorn you. Ponder whether they truly hold onto anything of substance. “I have a house,” a man might boast. But from whom did he inherit this house? "It belonged to my father." And where did he obtain it? “My grandfather.” Trace it back to great-grandparents, and he finds fewer names he could list each generation. Indeed, does it not fill you with dread to realize that many have occupied that very house, yet none have taken it with them into eternity? Your father left it; he passed through it; you too shall.
Given that your time in this house is transient, recognize it as an inn for travelers, not a permanent residence. Yet, our hope lies in what is yet to come, we sigh for that future joy, and even though it has not been revealed what we shall become, we know we are already children of God (1 John 3:2), for our lives are hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Thus, we remain utterly scorned by those who seek or take pleasure in present-day happiness.
Our souls overflow with reproach—a scorn to the wealthy and contempt to the haughty (Psalm 121:4). We may inquire who the wealthy are; it is as the proud have elucidated. To condemn is to equate wealth with pride. Why are the proud wealthy? Because they seek fulfillment in this transient existence. But do they truly revel in their riches even when facing unhappiness? Perhaps they mock our ideals during times of strife, but their mockery is more palpable when they feel secure in their abundance, boasting of their wealth. Their arrogance breeds derision, as if to say, “Look at my well-being! I hold onto what my eyes perceive. Depart from me, those who promise treasures they cannot reveal. I am satisfied with what is before me.” Be bolstered in your conviction; for Christ has risen and demonstrates assuredly what awaits in the next life. This scoffer clings to their possessions, however fragile they may be. Endure their mockery, for in time you shall find joy in their sorrows; that day shall come when they will acknowledge, “I once derided them.”
Moreover, we face derision not only from those who thrive, but also from the afflicted who suffer transient setbacks. Was not the thief, crucified alongside our Lord, subjected to scorn (Luke 23:39)? Even those who seem impoverished can be considered wealthy in pride. Indeed, how do we measure their riches? Some might flaunt financial wealth, while others boast of their honors or their perceived righteousness, ultimately fostering pride far worse. Those who do not appear affluent in worldly possessions might deem themselves affluent in righteousness toward God; yet, when adversity strikes, they opt for rationalizing their plight and imploring, “What have I done to deserve this?” As you converse with them, urge them to reflect on their actions and to ponder their sins. Often, this will quiet their troubled conscience. Yet, in self-reflection, they might still resist acknowledging their deserving of their hardships, proclaiming, “I have done many good deeds, and look to others who have been far worse off.” Though they may appear righteous before God, their hearts are swollen with pride. They wish to usurp God's sovereignty over the world, seizing control of creation, distributing rewards and punishments among humanity. What a pitiful state! Why be astonished? They are wealthy, indeed, but only in wrongdoing and unrighteousness, especially in their self-perceived righteousness.
A faithful Christian should not embrace riches but recognize their own poverty. Should riches come your way, remember they are not true treasures but rather strife. What are the true riches of righteousness? Regardless of the righteousness within us, it pales in comparison to the abundance that we seek. Let us only aspire to be filled with the full fountain of righteousness. Let us strive for an abundance described in the Psalm: “They shall be filled with the abundance of Your house, and You shall give them to drink of the river of Your pleasures.” Yet, while we exist here, let us strive to acknowledge our spiritual poverty—not merely regarding false wealth but concerning salvation itself. Even in wholeness, we must remain cognizant of our weakness. The body experiences hunger and thirst; it grows weary from standing, walking, and existing, searching for respite yet finding only more weariness. Thus, perfect health remains elusive, even physically. These apparent riches are not wealth, for their increase only breeds deeper poverty. Therefore, let our cravings, our thirst, and our yearning be directed toward the genuine treasures, ultimate health, and true righteousness. What is true wealth? It is the eternal dwelling within heavenly Jerusalem. What is implied when one is hailed as rich on earth? When praises are sung of a wealthy man, it suggests he lacks nothing. Indeed, praise arises not from the acknowledgment of need, but rather from the abundance of true possessions. Examine closely whether he wholly lacks wants. If entirely free from need, he may still yearn for more than he possesses; thus, wealth harbors selfish cravings.
In that City, however, true wealth awaits, for there requirements will cease to exist; we shall want for nothing, and therein lies authentic health.
THEOSIS