Barlaam and Ioasaph · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Barlaam concludes his instruction to Ioasaph by emphasizing the power of prayer, the necessity of purifying the soul from passions, and the importance of living a holy life devoted to God.
What happens
Barlaam concludes his instruction to Ioasaph by emphasizing the power of prayer, the necessity of purifying the soul from passions, and the importance of living a holy life devoted to God. He urges Ioasaph to meditate on divine things, forgive others, give alms, and pray fervently, promising that such a life leads to union with God and eternal blessedness.
Themes in this chapter
The Monastic Ideal
Barlaam describes prayer as 'Angels’ work' and the 'prelude of gladness to come,' urging Ioasaph to devote all his mental powers to contemplation of the Holy Trinity.
Renunciation of Worldly Wealth
Barlaam advises Ioasaph to give alms and charities to the poor, and to lay aside every care of this life, emphasizing detachment from earthly concerns.
Spiritual Warfare
Barlaam warns against opening a door to passions and speaks of soaring over all the snares of the enemy, urging Ioasaph to seal his soul with the sign of the Cross.
Characters to notice
- Barlaam
Delivers a lengthy discourse on prayer, virtue, and the path to salvation, urging Ioasaph to devote himself wholly to God.
- Ioasaph
The recipient of Barlaam's final teachings, being exhorted to pursue holiness and prayer.
- David
Quoted as an example of a king who cleansed his soul and prayed fervently despite worldly cares.
Key passages
“He that prayeth with exceeding fervent desire and pure heart, his mind estranged from all that is earthly and grovelling, and standeth before God, eye to eye, and presenteth his prayers to him in fear and trembling, such an one hath converse and speaketh with him face to face.”
A person who prays with intense longing and a clean heart, detached from worldly concerns, stands directly before God and speaks with Him intimately.
Barlaam defines true prayer as direct communion with God, requiring purity and detachment.
“But first purify thy soul from all passion, and cleanse it like a bright and newly cleansed mirror from every evil thought, and banish far all remembrance of injury and anger, which most of all hindereth our prayers from ascending to God-ward.”
Before praying, you must cleanse your soul of all passions and evil thoughts, especially forgiving those who have wronged you, because anger blocks prayers from reaching God.
Barlaam emphasizes the necessity of forgiveness and purity for effective prayer.
“He that hath made fervent his understanding, and hath lift up his soul and migrated to heaven, and hath thus called upon his Master, and remembered his own sins, and spoken concerning the forgiveness of the same, and with hot tears hath besought the Lover of mankind to be merciful to him: such an one, I say, by his continuance in such words and considerations, layeth aside every care of this life, and waxeth superior to human passions, and meriteth to be called an associate of God.”
One who fervently lifts their soul to heaven, confesses sins, and tearfully begs for mercy becomes free from worldly cares and human passions, earning the title of God's companion.
Barlaam describes the transformative power of persistent, heartfelt prayer.