On Dreams (De Insomniis)

...having harmonized what is fitting. For just as the reed pen original: "kalamos" — a writing instrument fashioned from a reed, here symbolizing the tool of divine order. writes order for us, and the hand is the hand of the one who arranges, so also grace original: "charis" — divine favor or spiritual beauty. writes the glory of the deeds being done. It does not receive perishable wealth, but let it plant your memorial as shared experiences to be handed down as a torch of your name, by which you were once in a former struggle.

By this you were preserved, and now let the plant of truth be planted in a dignified manner. You are being measured with oil original: "elaiometrizomenos" — a term likely referring to the careful distribution of spiritual oil or anointing. from your own excellent nature, though it remains unnamed; for all righteousness original: "dikaiosynē" — justice or moral uprightness. is worthy. Through a blessed transparency, become for me a lamp of holiness original: "hagiosynē" — sanctity or the state of being set apart for God..

But if you are entirely in a state of good repute original: "euphemias" — literally "well-speaking," often referring to ritual silence or the praise of God., you will show the dignified thing to be fruit-bearing original: "karpophoron" — yielding spiritual fruit or results.. But if you fight against no one This likely refers to the "spiritual warfare" against vices; a soul that does not struggle against evil cannot grow., you will be withered away by the fire. Therefore, bear fruit for me worthily. For may it never happen that through us those things occur which pertain to the withered fig tree A reference to the Gospel account where Jesus curses a barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22), a common metaphor for a soul that lacks spiritual works. lying in a barren form. May they never cry out and curse you because of your lack of fruit.

But may you receive all good order original: "eunomian" — a state of being well-governed or lawful, both in a city and in the soul.. For he will give back to you the fruitfulness my eternity of his own servant of God, and then, having been washed original: "lelousmenos" — likely a reference to baptismal cleansing or spiritual purification. before all, you will be blessed. But become a bringer of light for the truth. It is my role, then, to plant the faith original: "pistin" — trust or conviction in the divine., but it is yours to bear fruit. It is God's role to grant grace, but yours to guard and preserve it, so that grace is not rejected with folly, but with good...