A Desert Mother for Lent

Not only men, but also women went out into the desert in the 4th and 5th centuries. Today’s short reading is attributed to one of these ascetic women saints, Syncletica of Alexandria (c. 270 – 350).

Amma Syncletica of holy memory said,

“Sore is the toil and struggle of the unrighteous when they turn to God, and afterwards is their joy ineffable. For even as with those who would kindle a fire, they first are beset with smoke, and from the pain of the smoke they weep, and so they come at what they desired. Even so is it written, ‘Our God is a consuming fire’: and needs must we kindle the divine fire in us with travail and with tears.”

(Apophthegmata Patrum – The Desert Fathers)