The inner man is weakened by sin, rendered mute by his refusal to acknowledge wrongs, and like a shriveled hand, he possesses a will that lacks the intent for good to become realized. Nevertheless, in the midst of these challenges, we find immense comfort in the Most Holy Mother of God, provided our faith in Her is unwavering, our hope remains steadfast, and our love united. Naomi, bereft of her husband and children, was in need of comfort from her bitter grief. Who could bridge that gap? Ruth could. Yet, what comfort could Ruth offer, being in her own state of poverty and loss? She served as a prefiguration of Mary, the Mother of our Lord, as she too was among Christ’s ancestors: "Boaz begat Obed by Ruth; Obed begat Jesse; Jesse begat David the king" (Matt. 1:5-6), David being an earthly ancestor of Christ. This reality was Naomi’s source of consolation. When she laid eyes upon Ruth, her heart leapt, internally acknowledging that from her lineage would emerge the joy for the entire cosmos—Jesus, the Son of Mary. If merely the shadow of Mary could convert sorrow into joy, then surely Mary herself, the Mother of all consolation, will provide comfort through all our trials and heal both our inner and outer selves! Let us approach her with faith and bind ourselves to her with the same devotion that Ruth had to Naomi, that we might remain close to her throughout our lives. O Lady, be with us always until the end of the age!
The mourning husband. Do not inquire, Father, about the reason for my anguish, lest you add to my heart's torment. If I start to recount in detail the injustices permitted by God, my soul will be overwhelmed with sorrow, and rather than find comfort, I will be drawn into deep weeping—my grief mirrors that of Naomi, who lamented, "Do not call me Naomi (beautiful), but call me Mara (bitter), for the Almighty has sent me great sorrow." Elder of consolation, recognize that the bitterness of sorrow you have received is by God’s will; let Job serve as your model, who stated, "If we receive good things at the hand of the Lord, shall we not endure evil things?" (Job 2:10). Even that which may appear evil is permitted by the Lord’s designs and cannot truly be evil. As the holy will of God upon us is never malevolent but always benevolent and full of grace, everything occurring according to His purpose is for our welfare, not our harm, for our edification, not our downfall. Do we not intimate our desires to our heavenly Father daily, asserting, "Thy will be done" (Matthew 6:10)? It cannot be the divine desire to inflict evil upon us, for the Lord declares, "I do not take pleasure in the death of the wicked" (Ezek. 18:32). Does a father wish ill for his son, or does a mother desire misfortune for her daughter? In the same regard, God does not intend harm for us but wishes only our good, orchestrating all things for our benefit. He permits trials to come our way to prevent our pride, akin to a father disciplining a beloved son, or a mother correcting a daughter to guide her toward virtue. Likewise, our God permits sorrow so that we may recognize His authority over us, cultivate reverence, and walk humbly in His presence while adhering to His commands. Therefore, do not be excessively mournful, O Christian, as you observe the temporary sorrows permitted by God for your ultimate good; instead, embrace all with gratitude and declare, "Yes, Father, for this was Your good pleasure" (Matthew 11:26).
THEOSIS