It is indeed a marvelous thing how that which flows from eyes, which are the objects of the senses, spiritually washes the soul of the mire of sins. As they fall to the ground they burn and crush the devils and set the soul free from the invisible bonds of sin. O tears, which flow from divine enlightenment and open heaven itself and assure me of divine consolation! Again and many times over I utter the same words out of delight and longing. Where there is abundance of tears, brethren, accompanied by true knowledge, there also shines the divine Light. Where the light shines, there also all good gifts are bestowed and the seal of the Holy Spirit, from whom spring all the fruits of life, is implanted in the heart. Here also the fruit of gentleness is borne for Christ, as well as “peace, mercy, compassion, kindness, goodness, faith, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). It is the source of the virtue of loving one’s enemies and praying for them (Matthew 5:44), of rejoicing in trials, of glorying in tribulations (Romans 5:1-5), of looking on the faults of others as if they were one’s own and lamenting them, and of laying down one’s life for the brethren with eagerness even unto death.
St. Symeon the New Theologian (949–1022 AD), Discourses
