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Dear Parish Faithful,
GREAT LENT - Day Four
Today, we are returning to the wisdom of the Desert Mother, Amma Syncletica:
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"In the beginning there are a great many battles and a good deal of suffering for those who are advancing towards God, and afterwards ineffable joy. It is like those who wish to light a fire; at first they are choked by the smoke and cry, and by this means obtain what they seek (as it is said: 'Our God is a consuming fire' [Heb. 12:24]): so we also kindle the divine fire in ourselves through tears and hard work."
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As much as we may resist it, to draw closer to God - or to purify the heart - is a real struggle in a fallen and sinful world. It only seems "natural" to seek pleasure and to avoid any pain. Of course, we can be content with being Sunday "church goers" and leading a more-or-less moral life (but possibly being bored with it all over time).
But Amma Syncletica is clearly referring to encountering the living God, Who indeed can be a "consuming fire." Adjusting to a "lenten lifestyle," may just be the "lighting of a fire" that at first causes us some grief, but will - if taken seriously - eventually yield to "kindling the divine fire" of love and adoration before the Lord of Glory Who was crucified for our sakes and then arose from the dead. All of which is certain to bring us "ineffable joy!"
