THEOSISAndrew of Caesarea
Other prophets also have the custom of presenting divine commandments as though from their own person. The words “I am coming soon” indicate either the brevity of this life in comparison with the future life, or the suddenness and swiftness of death. As departure from here, death is the end for each person. Since it is unknown at what hour the thief comes, we have been commanded to watch and to have our loins girded and our lamps burning (Lk 12:35), living according to God and shining for our neighbors. Therefore let us unceasingly implore God with a contrite heart to deliver us from our pursuers. Then, when they overtake us, the angels who receive our souls will not take them unprepared, “with none to deliver or save” (Ps 7:3).
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Let not the soul of each person, entangled in the bonds of earthly affairs and unable to endure separation from them, return to them in vain. Let it not, when compelled by the angels according to God’s command to leave them, uselessly lament the time that it had neglected. Instead, let us unceasingly sing David’s song: “I made ready and was not troubled, that I might keep Your commandments” (Ps 118:60). Then, as the reward for fulfilling them, we shall hear the words of God: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Mt 25:21). To Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, are due glory, honor, and dominion, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.