Transformation of the subject by the words in the writings of the St. Macarius the Great
Transformation of the subject by the words in the writings of the St. Macarius the Great

Summary/Abstract: The Macarian writings are not abstract theological treatises. They were most probably envisaged as instructions (lessons) for his disciples. Based (probably) on personal spiritual experience, the works of Macarius instruct the author’s disciples on the necessity of focusing on one’s own soul, of continuous self-examination in the aim of putting off the old man and putting on the new man. When addressing his disciples, Macarius demands from them to perform an inner change. His words are meant to create specific effects. The power of his orations does not proceed only from the clearness of his language. The strength and poetical character of his telling are based on metaphors capable of evoking images. By its power to evoke an image, the orations of Macarius are comparable with Homer’s epic poetry. Both Macarius’ and Homer’s poetics are visual. Enargeia s an essential property of both Macarius’ and Homer’s discourses. Both Macarius’ and Homer’s languages enable theirs reader not only to hear but also to see what is described. In Macarius writings image of the light of the righteous man’s soul is opposed the image of the darkness of the the sinner’s soul. This visual contrast is analogous to Homer’s formulas. Macarius’ visual “formulas” facilitate the memorization of the text. They make it easy to memorize and formative. Macarius’ language is, like Homer’s, interactive and dialogical. Both Macarius’ and Homer’s discourses have the power to include and absorb their recipient in what they describe, transforming him in a spectator of every scene. The performativity of Macaius’ discourse lies in its power to induce the recipient to observe, to see his own soul. In order to make the subjects recognize their sinful thoughts, he will demand from them to imagine spacious chambers, deserted and filled with stench of impure spirits. In this way, he shows to the recipient in a very tangible, unmistakable way the state of his soul and the necessity of its regeneration. In that way, two possibilities are presented to the recipient. One is the freedom from sin and the eternal life, the other is fall into sin, dissolution, death. There is no compromise and the choice is on the human free will.

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