Crowns

April 23, 2016 | A Word From the Desert

Crowns

An old man said, 'For nine years a brother was tempted in thought to the point of despairing of his salvation, and being scrupulous he condemned himself, saying, "I have lost my soul, and since I am lost I shall go back to the world."  But while he was on the way, a voice came to him on the road, which said, "These nine years during which you have been tempted have been crowns for you; go back to your place, and I will allay these thoughts." 

Understand that it is not good for someone to despair of himself because of his temptations; rather, temptations procure crowns for us if we use them well.'

Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Artwork: Phyllis Nicoll