On Dreams (De Insomniis)

And [receive this] not as a divine gift original: "charisma" — a spiritual grace or favor granted simply through good conduct; rather, you must grasp it firmly along the intense path of struggle. Never be defeated by the many [distractions], but preserve yourself. Let your old tomb original: "palaia thêkê" — likely referring to the "old self" or the mortal body that is symbolically buried during baptismal immersion seek its end; do not enter as a newcomer, but approach the dragon original: "drakontos" — a recurring figure in early Christian homilies representing the devil who "lurks by the road" or at the waters of baptism to test the believer without mercy.

Walk the straight path in all things; bind your feet in the preparation of the Gospel of peace original: "euangelion tês eirênês" — a direct reference to the "Armor of God" in Ephesians 6:15. The old blackness original: "melanthê" — likely referring to the "ink" of sin or the dark stain of the former life bites at you; you are combatants in a spiritual duel. Strong is the armor against the power of the demon, so that you may be a powerful duelist. This is your covenant with the Lord.

Prepare your own heart for the reception of the teaching and for the preparation of the holy mysteries original: "hagiôn mystêriôn" — the sacraments, specifically baptism and the eucharist. Pray continually with trembling, so that your body might be deemed worthy of the heavenly things and the immortal mysteries. Let us hate all that is idle; let us hate the [worldly] bodies that hope [only in the flesh]. Fix your eyes upon God, so that if your soul be saved, your mind original: "dianoia" — the faculty of discursive reasoning and spiritual intent may find rest from worldly distractions.

If there is any shameful or ill-reasoning within your mind, let it be cast out; and let your memory of the Savior remain undivided. Rest your mind from vain things, knowing that the villain [the devil] is at work in these matters. If you see the waters being mixed referring to the preparation of the baptismal font, do not enter while the blessed light original: "phôs makarion" — the spiritual illumination associated with the rite of "enlightenment" (baptism) is not yet shining for you; know that the dragon of the sea original: "drakon tês thalassês" — a reference to Leviathan or the demonic forces inhabiting the "abyss" of the waters has prepared these traps for you. Remain in expectation only of the One who speaks; for I desire the deed, not just the word.

Guard your own soul; the trumpet-call original: "salpisma" — a call to assembly or a signal for battle is fitting for all, so that you may remain forever an heir of the kingdom original: "basileia" — the Kingdom of God you shall inherit. the?