October 14, 2010, Christianity (85), Church (77), History (23)
Posted by Wallace+
In August, I began a Word from Grace Street by quoting one of the desert mothers, Amma Syncletica. The words of another eastern Christian ascetic, influenced by the desert fathers, caught my attention yesterday. Dorotheus of Gaza said, beautifully:
Each one according to his means should take care to be at one with everyone else, for the more one is united to his neighbor, the more he is united with God.
Which is exactly what is meant, in the Outline of the Faith (Book of Common Prayer, 855), when the mission of the Church is given: "to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ."
Finally, it's all about a loving unity, one loving unity: us and God, one Love.
Amen, amen.
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Tags: desert fathers, desert mothers, early christianity, eastern orthodox
August 18, 2010, Christianity (85), Church (77), History (23)
Posted by Kimberly Allen
In today's Word from Grace Street, Wallace+ shares the following insight from Amma Syncletica, a Christian saint from the 4th century:
"In the beginning, there is struggle and a lot of work for those who
come near to God. But after that there is indescribable joy. It is just
like building a fire: at first it is smoky and your eyes water, but
later you get the desired result. Thus we ought to light the divine fire
in ourselves with tears and effort."
Reflecting on the accessibility of her words in contemporary society, he adds:
Few of us will take monastic vows; however, we don't have to "go
monastic" in order to hear the truth Amma Syncletica speaks; to hear and
to know what we already know, and what we must be reminded of, again
and again and again: that the journey into relationship with God takes
work. Sustained work. Just as any relationship of any depth does.
And, Amma Syncletica is telling us: it's worth it.
Click here to read the full message.
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Tags: amma syncletica, desert mothers, saint
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