In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not
so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. St. John
The Savior called the many mansions of the Father the
various capacities of the mind of those dwelling in that realm, that is, the distinction and diversity of spiritual gifts
which they enjoy according to the capacity of the mind. For, not according to a diversity of places, but
according to the degree of gifts does he call the mansions many. Just as each
man enjoys the perceptible sun, depending on the purity and receptivity of his
power of sight, and just as illumination from one lamp varies in a house,
although the light is not divided into many lights, so in the future age all the
righteous will abide indivisibly in one realm, but each, according to his own
capacity, is illumined by one noetic Sun, and, according to his worthiness,
attracts joy and gladness to himself, even though from one air, from one place,
throne, sight and image. And no one sees the measure of his friend, both higher
and lower, lest, if he see the superior grace of his friend and his own
deprivation, this be a cause of sorrow and grief for him. There, each, according
to the grace given to him, is glad inwardly in his measure. Outside them all is
one sight and realm and besides these two degrees, I understand just one realm
on high and another below, in the midst of them is variety in a diversity of
gifts.
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