Exegesis on the Soul
The Father sends the soul her true Bridegroom; the marriage is celebrated; the soul is restored, and gives birth to good children.
1When the Father saw her in such a condition, He had pity upon her. For she had been miserable. She had not begun to feel any joy in this world; she had been overcome with sorrow.
2Therefore the Father, when He saw her sigh — saw her repent of the harlotry she had committed — saw also her cry out unto His name, that He might help her, weeping with all her soul, saying: Save me, O Father; behold, I shall recount unto Thee my harlotry, in that I have departed from my house. Restore me unto Thyself again. Behold the kidnappings I have endured, and the violations of every kind, and the deceitfulness, and how I was sold and how I have been bound, oppressed by tyrants, in cruel and chequered slavery — therefore He had pity upon her.
3Then He sent unto her her Bridegroom from above. And the Bridegroom is the firstborn Son. He came down unto her unto the bridal chamber, which had been prepared.
4And she beheld Him; and she rejoiced. She gave herself unto Him alone; she received Him alone; she set aside her former adulterers. She remembered them no more; rather, she remembered her true Husband alone.
5And the bridal chamber was filled with sweet odours. And the Bridegroom and the bride exulted together. And the marriage was celebrated; and they became one.
6And from that union there came forth good children — namely, the virtues, the graces of the Spirit, and the gifts of holiness. For when the soul is joined unto the Bridegroom, she beareth fruits that are not corruptible.
7Such is the regeneration of the soul. It is the renewing of her youth. It is the restoration of her honour. It is the receiving back of her original glory.
8Therefore, my brethren, let us pray for one another, that we may be restored. Let us put off the works of the flesh; let us put on the garment of light. Let us cleave unto the Bridegroom; let us forsake the false lovers.
9For the Father hath compassion upon every soul that turneth unto Him. He is not far off; He is at the door. Open ye unto Him; He shall come in, and shall sup with you, and ye with Him.
10Blessed is the soul that hath returned unto her Father. Blessed is the soul that hath been received in the bridal chamber. Blessed is the soul that hath borne good children unto the Bridegroom; for she shall not be put to shame in the day of consummation.
11Glory be unto the Father, who receiveth the wandering soul; and unto the Son, the Bridegroom, who taketh her unto Himself; and unto the Holy Spirit, who is the perfume of the bridal chamber. Forever and ever. Amen.
