Here the nature of the angels is seen as it is by the mind, and it observes distinctly the ordering of their hosts; this is the place of non-place and of knowledge more sublime than all knowledges, the very sight of these being concealed from him when his mind is united with the majestic glory; here forgetfulness of everything including himself comes over him; the accusing mouth is stopped up that is not aware of these things, from the abundance of words our father speak concerning these mysteries; all the strategems from the Adversary are seen by this man who is thus illuminated. (D15)
John of Dalyatha
Monday, 13 November 2023
Sunday, 12 November 2023
If a man possesses prophecy and a person's secrets are revealed to him, and if his heart becomes a fountain of life the mystical speech that comes from the Spirit is spoken in him. If his mind is illuminated by the divine manifestations which without pause well up secretly within him from the Godhead; and if he is absorbed in ecstasy at the beauty of the divine nature; and if he is encompassed by amazement over the extrodinary wisdom of God; and if he sees our Lord in himself as in a mirror and speaks with him freely (cont...) (D15)
Saturday, 11 November 2023
This is excellence: when the Mercy of God brings a person to the revelation of divine mysteries. It is not right to call them virtue because they are not wrought by labours of the will but rather delight of knowledge. It is a place of repose, not a road for labourers; a haven for the weary, not labour for the exhausted; a banquet of delight, not a place for guests. (D15)
Thursday, 9 November 2023
Wednesday, 8 November 2023
(cont) There is no human heart that would not be a fountain of the mysteries hidden in the bosom of the Father, if its course were not blocked up by the mud of passions. There is no tongue of any man in the image of God that would not be speaking the wonders of God and revealing his hidden mysteries, if it were not stuttering from the cold of evil. There is no soul that would not bear Christ in its bosom, if it had not become depraved with its enemies through its laxity. Nevertheless repentance causes us to be born again in the image of God, and restores all these things to us. (D14)
Monday, 6 November 2023
If you ask, my brother, why you do not see things that are to come, or observe hidden things, or speak wonders, or understand glorious mysteries, then hear me, my brother, and I will tell you the reason why you are cut off from these benefits. Truly, my beloved, there is no logical mind that is not appointed to be the seer of all things that have been and shall be, unless it is blind to the things that are seen. cont.(D14)
Their nature is filled continually. When the nature grows up in glory the magnitude of the glory revealed in them is increased, without pause, and their person is a fountain of light; nor does its abundant flow cease because of the increase, it being an increase of the recipients, not of the fountain of blessings.
They are not aware of the increase, any more than those who grow up are aware of the growth of their bodily stature; they only see the glory of their person increasing, and as it increases love abounds; and their love is mingled with their person, because they see the likeness of the Beloved. (D14)