But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
“The spiritual state is like some royal palace that possesses many exterior courts, vestibules and outer residences; then there are various inner buildings, usually housing the royal robes and the treasure; and then, yet farther within, are the king’s living quarters. Someone still in the outer courts and apartments may think he has reached the inner chambers, but he would be wrong. The same is true where the spiritual life is concerned. Those struggling against greed and sleep, and continually occupied with psalms and prayers, should not think that they have already attained the final place of rest: they are still in the exterior courts and vestibules, and have not even reached the place where the royal robes and treasure are kept. Even if they are found worthy of some spiritual grace, again this should not deceive them into thinking that they have attained their goal. They must examine to see whether they have found the treasure in the pot of clay, whether they have put on the purple robe of the Spirit, whether they have seen the king and are at peace.”
Symeon the Metaphrast (c. 900-987) in “Paraphrase of the Homilies of St Makarios of Egypt” in Philokalia V3.335.
Don’t let the “metaphrast” title throw you. It just refers to a bloke that puts good writing to meter. It was a tool to help more oral learners remember good teaching in the middle ages.
And if this reading seemed confusing for you, let’s deconstruct the wonder in it.
Symeon wants you and me to liken our spiritual state to areas in a palace. We can remain in the outer precincts and think we have taken hold of life.
Then notice the group that appears as “struggling against greed” and “occupied with psalms and prayers.”
We might say in plain terms, these are people who still think they need some measure of money to sustain them and that their piety has gotten them to their final place of rest.
Symeon would say, no, and I would agree with him.
These people are winning the right battle and practicing the right disciplines, but to find the treasure in the pot of clay is realizing you can grasp the treasure of God in a cup of simplicity.
Generosity for these people is a by-product of having grasped what is worth more than money.
So if that all sounds too esoteric, know that the life of simplicity robed with the Spirit will deliver you from greed and take you to a place of generosity because you have the one thing you need to sustain you: God.
And here’s a good litmus test to see if you have found your way there.
Those who struggle with sleep may still reside in the outer precincts. You sleep like a baby without fear or worry once you have seen the king and found Him to be all you have ever needed and ever will need.