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HOMILIES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
St Macarius the Great Resources Online and in Print
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33 Pages
Page 15
5. We ought therefore to beg of GOD with earnestness of heart, that he would grant unto us his riches, the true treasure of CHRIST, in our hearts, in the power and efficacy of the Spirit. And thus. having found first within- ourselves salvation and eternal life, we shall then profit others also, producing from that treasure of CHRIST within us, all the goodness of spiritual discourses, and declaring heavenly mysteries. For so it pleases the good will of the Father, that he should dwell with every one that believeth. --He that loves me, (says CHRIST,) shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." And again, " We will come unto him, I and my Father, and make our abode with him." Thus did the infinite kindness of the Father's will: Thus was the inconceivable love of CHRIST pleased. And thus did the unspeakable goodness of the Spirit promise. Glory be to the tender mercies of the Holy Trinity; which surpass all expression! 6. Let us illustrate in some measure by examples the methods of the Spirit in the soul. At a certain time then are they elated, as at a royal banquet, and rejoice with joy and gladness not to be expressed. At another season are they as the bride, thatin communion with the bridegroom enjoys Divine pleasures. At other times they are as the angels, which are not clogged with this earthly tabernacle.
7. At other times, they are in grief and lamentation for all mankind, and interceding for the whole stock of Adam. They take up a wailing and a weeping for it; the love of the Spirit.for the human nature kindling and flaming out within them.
At other times the joy and love of the Spirit inflames them to that degree, that were it possible, they would snatch up every man into their own bowels, not making the least distinction of the bad from the good.
8. At other times they are humbled so far below every other person in the self-abasement of the Spirit, as to think themselves inferior to, and less than all. At other times they are like a strong man, that, having put on the royal armor, and coming down in battle upon his enemies, fights valiantly against them, and overcomes them. For in like manner, he too that is spiritual takesthe heavenly weapons of the Spirit, and comes upon his enemies and fights them, and treads them under his feet. At other times does the soul rest in great silence, and calmness and peace, being given up to spiritual pleasure, and rest unspeakable. At other times it is instructed by grace in a sort of understanding and wisdom not to be described, and a knowledge of the Spirit that is past finding out, in such things as it is impossible for the tongue to utter. So very various is the way of grace in them, and such variety is there in the manner after which it conducts the soul, refreshing it according to the will and pleasure of God. And with equal variety does it exercise her, thereby to restore her perfect and blameless, and pure to our heavenly Father.
9. These several refreshments of grace are expressed indeed very differently. However, there is no intermission of their influence; but one operation continually succeeds another. For when the soul is thoroughly.tlcansed from all its corrupt affections, and is united, by an ineffable communion, to the Spirit, the Comforter, and is thoroughly mixed with the Spirit, and is become spirit itself: then is it all light, all eye, all spirit, all joy, all rest, all gladness, all love,. all bowels, all goodness, and clemency. As a stone in the bottom of the sea is every way surrounded with water; so are these every way drenched with the Holy Spirit, and made like to CHRIST himself, possessing unalterably within themselves the virtues of the power of the Spirit, being blameless within and without, and spotless, and pure. For being brought to perfection by the Spirit, how is it possible they should outwardly produce the fruits of sin? But at all times, and in every instance, do the fruits of the Spirit shine brightly out in their whole deportment.
1O. And therefore let us also beseech GOD, and believe in love, and abundant hope, that the self-same Spirit may govern and lead us into all the will of GOD; and may refresh us with all the variety of the rest he gives that by the means of such an administration, and the exercise of grace, and spiritual improvement, we may come to the perfection of the fullness of CHRIST, as the apostle expresses it, « That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." And again, "Till we all come unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST." The Lord has promised to all that believe in him, and ask in truth, that he will, give to them the mysteries of the ineffable communion of the Spirit; and therefore let us, having entirely devoted ourselves to the Lord, make haste to attain the good things we have before-mentioned, being consecrated both in soul and body, and nailed to the cross of CHRIST, and giving glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, unto ages. Amen.
Reference address : https://www.elpenor.org/macarius/homilies.asp?pg=15
