The Reins of Power
In certain cases, the spirit follows the inclinations of nature like a slave.
The body takes the upper hand, rouses the passions and drives us to demand selfish pleasure. Then the spirit gives in to the body and even supplies it with the necessary means to satisfy its lusts.
This is not the experience of everyone. Those who are holy do not behave like that. In them it is the spirit that gives the orders and chooses what is truly useful and has the upper hand over the body.
Gregory of Nyssa The Creation of Man, I4 (PG44, 174)
You are Utterly Fair, my Love, and there is no Flaw in You
You can see that a city is prosperous by the wealth of goods for sale in the market. Land too we call prosperous if it bears rich fruit. And so also the soul may be counted prosperous if it is full of good works of every kind.
But first of all it has to be farmed energetically. Then it must be watered by abundant streams of heavenly grace for it to bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, and some a hundredfold. The soul only acquires goodness and the capacity of fulfilling its duties if it has the grace of God.
On the other hand, what is uglier or more disgusting than a soul given over to base passions? Look at the hot-headed person: he is like a wild beast. Consider the slave of lust or gluttony: who can bear the sight of him? Pity the victim of melancholy whose spirit is totally prostrated.
It is for us to seek to acquire beauty, so that the Bridegroom, the Word, may welcome us into his presence and say, ‘You are utterly fair, my love, and there is no flaw in you.’ [S. of S. 4:7]
Basil the Great Commentary on Psalm 29, 5 (PG29, 316)
~ Thomas Spidlik, Drinking from the Hidden Fountain, A Patristic Breviary: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World
