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From the sayings of St Syncletica about Purity “Rejoice that God visits you and keep this blessed saying on your lips: 'The Holy One has chastened me sorely but has not given me over unto death' [Psalms 118:18]. You were iron, but fire has burnt the ru

From the sayings of StSyncletica about Purity

 

“Rejoice that God visits you and keep this blessed saying on your lips: 'The Holy One has 
chastened me sorely but has not given me over unto death' [Psalms 118:18].  You 
were iron, but fire has burnt the rust off you.  If you are righteous and fall ill, you will 
go from strength to strength.  Are you gold?  You will pass through fire purged.  Have 
you been given a thorn in the flesh?  [II Corinthians 12:1].  Exult, and see who else 
was treated like that; it is an honor to have the same sufferings as Paul.  Are you 
being tried by fever?  Are you being taught by cold?  Indeed Scripture says: 'We went 
through fire and water; yet God has brought us forth to a spacious place' [Psalms 
66:12].  You have drawn the first lot?  Expect the second.  By virtue offer holy words 
in a loud voice.  For it is said: 'I am afflicted and in pain' [Psalms 69:29].  This share 
of wretchedness will make you perfect.  For it is said: 'The Holy One hears when I 
call' [Psalms 4:3].  So open your mouth wider to be taught by these exercises of the 
soul, seeing that we are under the eyes of our enemy."