Friday, September 26, 2008

Pt. 3 HYMNS OF DIVINE LOVE by St. Symeon the New Theologian

How are You at once the source of fire,
how also the fountain of dew?
How at once burning and sweetness,
how a remedy for all corruption?

How do You make gods of us men,
how do You make the darkness light?
How do You make one reascend from Hell,
how do You make us mortals imperishable?

How do You draw darkness to light,
how do You triumph over night?
How do You illumine the heart?
how do You transform me entirely?

How do You become one with sons of men,
how do You make them sons of God?
How do You burn them with Your love,
how do You wound them without a sword?

How can You be patient, how can You endure?
How do You not renumerate at once?
How do You see the actions of all,
You who dwell beyond all creatures?

How do You look at the conduct of each one,
You, who are so far from us?
Give patience to Your servants,
so that trials may not overwhelm them!

2 comments:

shasstah said...

Do you have the rest of Hymn 3? Could you please post it?

Anonymous God-blogger said...

Oh, I'm sorry, I got the book through interlibrary loan, and typed those parts onto blog, and then took the book back--otherwise, I'd be happy to put it in! I'm glad you like what's there.