“Detachment is the mark of a perfect soul, whereas it is characteristic of an imperfect soul to be worn down with anxiety about material things. The perfect soul is called a ‘lily among thorns’ (Song of Solomon 2:2), meaning that it lives with detachment in the midst of those who are troubled by such anxiety. For in the Gospel the lily signifies the soul that is detached from worldly care: ‘They do not toil or spin . . . yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of them’ (Matthew 6:28-29).
But of those who devote much anxious thought to bodily things, it is said: ‘All the life of the ungodly is spent in anxiety’ (Job 15:20, LXX). It is indeed ungodly to pass one’s whole life worrying about bodily things and to give no thought to the blessings of the age to come — to spend all one’s time on the body, though it does not need much attention, and not to devote even a passing moment to the soul, though the journey before it is so great that a whole lifetime is too short to bring it to perfection. Even if we do seem to allot a certain amount of time to it, we do this carelessly and lazily, for we are always being attracted by visible things.”
Neilos of Sinai (died c. 430) in The Philokalia: The Complete Text, compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St. Makarius of Corinth, Volume 1 (London: Faber & Faber, 1979) 244-245.
Feeling warn down? Anxious about bodily things? Attracted by visible things? Don’t be careless and lazy! It’s time to press on to perfection. Remember, “perfect” in the ancient Mediterranean mind means “mature” and “imperfect” means “immature” so don’t let the language confuse you.
I returned safely last night from Milwaukee, WI, and tonight am flying to Little Rock, AR, to teach at an Anglican Mission Clergy Retreat. Father, give me strength and wisdom to point those I serve to “perfection” by your Holy Spirit. Do this I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen!