During the long celebration of Christ’s nativity, two important events are also commemorated. One is the death of the innocents killed by the order of Herod, and this led Christ to become a refugee hiding out in Egypt.[1] The other is the stoning of Saint Stephen, the proto-martyr.[2] In this manner, the celebration of the birth of Christ coincides with the celebration and remembrance of death. This is as it should be, because it reminds us of the link between... Read more
The other day, I heard someone saying that after the sin of Adam, there is no going back to what Adam once was. There is no going back to the purity of the first Adam. There is no going back to the Tree of Life. While it is true, we are not expected to become just like Adam and remain there, we are expected to go back to the purity found in him so then we can transcend that holiness... Read more
In his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul found himself becoming a better person because he opened himself up to the grace of God. He repented of his injustice to God, and therefore, his injustice to others, realizing how his pride in his knowledge of the truth faltered and did not really attain to the truth itself. The Holy Spirit came to Paul in that grace, and made him ready to birth Christ in himself: “I have... Read more
Abba Anthony said to Abba Poemen, “This is the great work of man: always to take the blame for his own sins before God and to expect temptation to his last breath.” He also said, “Whoever has not experienced temptation cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” He even added, “Without temptations no-one can be saved.”[1] Abba Poemen, the “Shepherd,” held a central position within the Sayings of the Desert Fathers, indicating that the one who collected the sayings together... Read more
Saint Augustine often had people asking him questions for the purpose of criticizing Catholic beliefs and practices they did not accept. They would pretend to inquire for the sake of understanding, and use such a pretense as an excuse for all kinds of impertinent questions. Augustine, sometimes, would be flippant in response. [1] But at other times, when responding to the same question, what exactly God was doing “before” creation, he pointed out that the very question was asked in... Read more
Throughout history, it was quite common for those who lived in the highest tiers of society to look down upon everyone else, finding all kinds of excuses to denigrate their so-called inferiors as a way to justify their place in the community. They would find all kinds of ways to distinguish themselves from everyone else, making sure they got preferential treatment and respect for being a part of the upper-tiers of society. The integrity and character of anyone else can... Read more
When the same Abba Anthony thought about the depth of the judgments of God, he asked, “Lord, how is it that some die when they are young, while others drag on to extreme old age? Why are there those who are poor and those who are rich? Why do wicked men proper and why are the just in need? He heard a voice answering him, “Anthony, keep your attention on yourself; these things are according to the judgment of God,... Read more
When confronted with the claims of superior knowledge and revelation by various heretical Gnostic sects, Christian leaders like Sts. Irenaeus of Lyons and Clement of Alexandria responded by showing how such so-called Gnostic teachings contradicted the basics of the Christian faith, demonstrating why their various sects should be rejected. Clement did not entirely disagree with the pursuit of gnosis, but he indicated the only true gnosticism could be found within the orthodox teachings of the Christian faith, that it was... Read more
Many members of society, especially in a capitalistic based one like the United States, have a tendency to idolize the rich and demonize the poor. The rich are looked upon as being good, productive members of society, worthy of our respect, while the poor are looked upon as lazy, worthless people who should be treated with contempt because of how their lives have turned out. The rich, merely for being rich, are looked upon as the natural leaders of society,... Read more
He also said, “Some have afflicted their bodies by asceticism, but they lack discernment, and so they are far from God.”[1] As their life was one of constant ascetic struggle, it should be no surprise that many monks who Anthony would meet thought the whole extent of their monastic profession was to chastise their bodies, to afflict themselves with extreme fasting and little sleep, and other similar activities. They put their hope and faith in what they could do for... Read more
Select your answer to see how you score.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In