Teologia postu w „Hymnach o poście” św. Efrema Syryjczyka

Abstract

The literary output of St. Ephrem consists of biblical commentaries, polemical refutations and meditations in prose, poetic dialogues, metric homilies and hymns (madrashes). The last genre calls for major attention since it seems that it was the favourite instrument in Ephrem’s hermeneutical toolbox. Madrashes were addressed not to the monks or eremites. In the 4th century, Eastern Syrian Christianity was focused on practising a deep asceticism in daily life through fasting, vigils and incessant prayer. Such perspective was characteristic of the baptized in general, regardless of whether they were clerics, monks or laypeople. Besides the biblical examples, the main source of imaginary featured in De ieiunio is nature, created by the will of God. In some parts of this madrashe, Ephrem creates a balance of two elements, supplementing the biblical text with images taken directly from nature. A keystone of the rich theological message presented in the stanzas of ten liturgical hymns is Christ – the Word opening the treasure of the Scriptures, the firstborn Son of the Father, the only Righteous, the ultimate model for all fasting ascetics. What matters in fasting, is the free will, discipline against hunger and desire, charity. Ephrem underlines the role of motivation and points at purifying results of fasting.