Saturday After Ash Wednesday

Psalm 51

Saturday

Start by reading Psalm 51 reflectively. After a period of silence, read over the quote for the day. Consider within yourself what it might mean…

“Amma Syncletica said, ‘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 must kindle the divine fire in ourselves through tears and hard work.’” (The Sayings of the Desert Fathers Sigma.1)

Friday After Ash Wednesday

Psalm 51

Friday

 Start by reading Psalm 51 reflectively. After a period of silence, read over the quote for the day. Consider within yourself what it might mean…

“A brother questioned Abba Hierax saying, ‘Give me a word. How can I be saved?’ The old man said to him, ‘Sit in your cell, and if you are hungry, eat, if you are thirsty, drink; only do not speak evil of anyone, and you will be saved.’” (The Sayings of the Desert Fathers Iota.1)

Thursday After Ash Wednesday

Psalm 51

Thursday

Start by reading Psalm 51 reflectively. After a period of silence, read over the quote for the day. Consider within yourself what it might mean…

Amma (Mother) Theodora said, “Neither ascetism, nor vigils nor any kind of suffering are able to save, only true humility can do that (The Sayings of the Desert Fathers Theta.6).”

Ash Wednesday

Psalm 51

Ash Wednesday

Start by reading Psalm 51 reflectively. After a period of silence, read over the quote for the day. Consider within yourself what it might mean…

“Abba [Father] Anthony said to Abba Poeman, ‘This is the great work of [humanity]: always to take the blame for [one’s] own sins before God and expect temptation to his last breath.’” (The Sayings of the Desert Fathers Alpha.3)