Archive for April, 2022

Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Titus 1:8

Donald R. McClarey writes this about John of Nepomuk:

“The more he shunned the esteem of men the more it followed him. He however accepted soon after the office of almoner of the court, which could only give him an authority and assistance the better to perform his duty as preacher to the court, and enable him in a private capacity to assist the poor, and to gain souls to God. Nor had this charge either the distractions, or the riches or honours, which had so much affrighted him in the dignities before mentioned.

Thus humility fixed him in the court whither ambition leads others. He appeared there the same man he had been in his private life. His apartment was the rendezvous of all that were in affliction or distress. He declared himself their general advocate, and the father of the poor, and of all who suffered by unjust oppressions.

His charity was also sagacious in finding out, and secretly reconciling all dissensions which arose in the court or city: of many whereof authentic monuments are still preserved, in which the patience of this great man, his penetration and judgment, and the equity of his decisions are equally admired. He found time for everything, because the saints, who in temporal concerns forget themselves, find more leisure than other men for the service of their neighbours.”

John of Nepomuk (1345-1393) pictured above on the Charles Bridge in the heart of Prague.

I mention John of Nepomuk today as it is the last day of my meetings on my first visit to Prague before departing tomorrow, and because I participated in a widely known activity.

“It’s a long-held tradition among tourists that touching the Statue of John of Nepomuk, the oldest and only bronze figure on the Charles Bridge, is said to bring good fortune and a swift return to Prague.”

I hope to return to Prague as this visit sparked work linked to GTP worth noting tomorrow. But today, let us gain at least three insights from the charity of this saint for our generosity.

Firstly, “His apartment was the rendezvous of all that were in affliction or distress.” This inspires us to have a ministry of hospitality. To make our home a space filled with grace.

At dinner last night, I learned a negative perception that some have of Americans links to the pattern that foreigners are rarely invited into their home for dinner.

Secondly, John was a “general advocate, and the father of the poor, and of all who suffered by unjust oppressions.” By his interaction he was “secretly reconciling all dissensions.”

So, John not only opened his home, but he made himself available to others. What comes into view is the practice of hospitality associated with his dwelling and his service.

Thirdly, as saints “in temporal concerns forget themselves” he seemed to live in a manner that trusted God to sort his needs while he emptied himself in service to his neighbors.

As I depart Prague tomorrow, this saint inspires me (and I hope you too) to practice hospitality, to make room in our hearts and schedules for others, and to forget ourselves.

In so doing, God will take care of us. Others may throw us of a bridge for such living (as John was martyred). But our charity may live on, like John of Nepomuk, to inspire others.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:32-35

“Another vision of Count Zinzendorf’s was that of the restoration of Apostolic community. He labored to establish a community of saints that loved and supported one another through prayer, encouragement and accountability. To a great extent Zinzendorf’s vision became a reality in the small village of Herrnhut. A deep sense of community was maintained through small groups based on common needs and interests, original and unifying hymns and continual prayer meetings. In 1738 John Wesley visited “this happy place” and was so impressed that he commented in his journal. “I would gladly have spent my life here . . . Oh, when shall this Christianity cover the earth as water covers the sea?”

Excerpt from “Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians: Prayer Makes History.”

As I was reading about saints from the region today known as Czech Republic, Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf comes into view as a key player.

This section struck me as the recipe for apostolic community: prayer, encouragement, and accountability. The prayer part implies it’s only possible with God’s help.

The encouragement and accountability pieces help preserve the authenticity and integrity of the community as it grows. And what strikes me is how this links to my visit.

The European Great Commission Collaboration aims to encourage such apostolic community through rallying strategic generosity but a missing piece has been accountability.

This is where GTP can help. Please continue to pray for fruitful meetings with influential national workers from across Europe aiming to follow in the footsteps of Zinzendorf.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

“In Europe, a Countess with close friends among kings, emperors and princes, famous for her brilliant gifts and witty conversation, found that none of her amusements and recreations satisfied her any longer. A humble Moravian shoemaker came into her presence and she was struck with his remarkable cheerfulness. She asked him why he was so happy and he replied that ‘Jesus has forgiven my sins. He forgives me every day and He loves me and that makes me happy through all the hours.’ The Countess thought about that and began to pray. Conviction led her into the same joyful faith and she became a great witness for Christ among titled people.”

Whilst I cannot locate the names of the characters, savor this scene between the Countess and the Moravian Shoemaker that I located when researching Nicolaus Zinzendorf and the Moravians this morning.

About a half century before Martin Luther, Jan “John” Hus sparked the first protestant church movement in Bohemia and Moravia, urging people to live out their faith like early church. The faith of the Moravians spread far and wide.

The good news of forgivenes of sins through Jesus Christ not only results in contagious happiness. It positions us to be generous. Though the Countess was known for her gifts, the shoemaker gave the greatest gift that day.

When this posts I will be attending the European Great Commission Collaboration Prague Summit 2022. As I get to know the group, it’s just a bunch of countesses and shoemakers celebrating the greatest gift and considering how to share it.

God infect us with contagious happiness for generously sharing the good news of forgiveness of sins.

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12

Who were Cyril and Methodius?

According to Christian History: “When the Moravian Prince Ratislav requested that the Byzantine Emperor Michael III send missionaries to Moravia “to explain to us the Christian truths in our own language,” it was the brothers Cyril and Methodius who were sent. They had already developed a reputation as keen thinkers and administrators. By the end of their lives, they were well on the way to becoming the most celebrated missionary team in Eastern Orthodox history.

They were born “Constantine” and “Michael” to a high ranking officer in the Byzantine Army, and both studied at the Imperial School of Constantinople. They each carved out a successful career: Constantine (later Cyril) as professor of philosophy at the Imperial school; Michael, first as governor in Macedonia and then abbot of a monastery in Asia Minor (where he took the name Methodius).

In 863, when they started their work among the Slavs, they began using Slavonic in the liturgy. They translated the Bible into the language later known as Old Church Slavonic (or Old Bulgarian) and invented a Slavic alphabet based on Greek characters, which in its final Cyrillic form is still in use as the alphabet for a number of Slavic languages.

International politics soon swirled around their little mission. The German archbishop of Salzburg claimed that Cyril and Methodius had invaded his ecclesiastical territory. Jealous for the church in Rome, the archbishop insisted that Latin, not Slavonic, be used in the liturgy.

So in 868, the brothers found themselves in Rome explaining themselves to Pope Adrian II, who took their side and formally authorized the use of the Slavonic liturgy. Though Cyril died in Rome, Methodius was sent back to the Slavs as Adrian’s legate and as archbishop of Sirmium, a province that included all of Moravia.

When power in Moravia fell into new hands, Methodius was abandoned by the government; he was accused of usurping the Catholic archbishops’ authority and of the “scandalous use of the Slavonic language” in the liturgy. He was brutally treated and jailed, and only freed by the intervention of Pope John VIII.

Unfortunately, after Methodius’ death, Pope Stephen V reversed John VIII’s ruling and forbade the use of the Slavonic liturgy. Wiching, Methodius’s successor, drove the disciples of Cyril and Methodius into exile.

The exile only facilitated the spread of their work. “One cannot estimate the significance, for the future of Orthodoxy, of the Slavonic translations,” said Orthodox apologist Timothy Ware. The Slavonic liturgy and Bible made their way all over Eastern Europe and gave birth to the Bulgarian and Serbian Orthodox churches (which still use the Slavonic liturgy). Russia, which converted to Orthodoxy about a century after Methodius died, continues to use his Cyrillic alphabet to this day.”

Cyril (815-885) and Methodius (815-885)

Known widely as the “Apostles to the Slavs”, think of them as the ones who stirred the movement that inspired and birthed the Christian faith of Ludmila, Wenceslas, and Adalbert of Prague. It also would help Christianity reach the Bulgarians, the Serbians, and the Russians. That’s impact!

And it’s a good transition to what I am doing in Prague.

The European Great Commission Collaboration is an informal network of like-minded Christian givers who want to reverse the decline of Christianity in Europe through strategic generosity and to resource God’s Kingdom in Europe.

Imagine a gathering of generous givers and trusted ministry workers. So, why am I here?

The EGCC has set up a due diligence process for vetting ministries in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and neighboring countries to determine if they follow standards and should receive support from the collaboration. This is where GTP comes in.

EGCC wants GTP to help set up peer accountability groups for these countries similar to ECFA in the USA. Prior to Covid we started conversations. We will continue those this week. If you want to see an infographic that shows how we do this in countries, click here.

For now, please pray for fruitful meetings on 28-30 April 2022. Please also consider making a gift to GTP to help cover the costs of this trip, around $3,000 USD. To give, click here. Your gift fuels this collaborative work that aims to stir a gospel movement like Cyril and Methodius did in their day. Thank you.

One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend. Proverbs 22:11

Who is Good King Wenceslas?

Tracy A. Burns reports: “The first Czech saint and the patron saint of the Czech state, Wenceslas (Václav in Czech) served as duke of Bohemia from 921 until his death in 935. Though he died young, this martyr’s accomplishments were many. He built numerous churches in Bohemia and was deeply respected as a pious, moral, educated and intelligent man who promoted the Christian faith and took care of the poor, the sick, the widowed and the orphaned by doing charitable deeds. He even founded the rotunda of Saint Vitus at Prague Castle.”

Elizabeth Davis adds that one 12th-century preacher said: “His deeds I think you know better than I could tell you; for, as is read in his Passion, no one doubts that, rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty.”

We recognize this patron saint for the song “Good King Wenceslas” written by John Mason Neale in 1853. Be sure to read all the way through to the last stanza.

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even;

Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight,
Gath’ring winter fuel.

‘Hither, page, and stand by me,
If thou know’st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?’

‘Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence,
By Saint Agnes’ fountain.’

‘Bring me flesh and bring me wine,
Bring me pine logs hither,
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear them thither.’

Page and monarch forth they went,
Forth they went together,
Through the rude wind’s wild lament
And the bitter weather.

‘Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer.’

‘Mark my footsteps, good my page,
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.’

In his master’s steps he trod,
Where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed.

Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing.

Thanks for your prayers. I have safely arrived in Prague. I delayed the delivery of this post to confirm my safe arrival. And I wanted to visit Wenceslas Square to shoot this photo of his famous statue. I’d like to offer two comments about Wenceslas for your consideration.

Firstly, notice his reputation for nocturnal benevolence. That means this was likely a repeated pattern learned from his Grandmother. Wenceslas would go out 2×2 with a companion and serve “the poor, the sick, the widowed and the orphaned by doing charitable deeds.” Despite his short life, he aimed to serve others day and night.

It also inspires me that in a time of turmoil and crisis, he focused on building up churches. Do we, through our giving and sacrifice of time and resources, work to strengthen God’s work where He has placed us? That’s my inspiration today from the heart of Prague.

Pray for good meetings tomorrow with 4D Ministries. They approached us at GTP to partner on projects including translating GTP Diagnostic Tool and Templates into Czech to strengthen churches and ministries. We get to announce this new resource at the EGCC event here in Prague on 28-30 April 2022.

Click here to make a gift to GTP today to contribute to this effort for Eastern Europe. This is a critical time to help the churches and ministries in this region because of the flood of refuges from Ukraine. Thanks for your support, and in return (with Wenceslas), I pray you find rich blessing.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5

Who was Ludmila of Bohemia?

Susan Halstead writes: “The daughter of a prince named Slavibor, Ludmila was born around 860 in Mělník and married at an early age to Bořivoj I, Duke of Bohemia. It was probably through the efforts of Saints Cyril and Methodius, the ‘apostles of the Slavs’ that the couple were converted to Christianity in 874, becoming the first Christian rulers of the dukedom. However, their attempts to convert their subjects were greeted with such hostility that for a time they were driven out of the land, but after a while they were able to return and ruled in peace for several years before retiring to Tetín, near Beroun, leaving their son Spytihněv to rule in his father’s place.

However, after only two years Spytihněv died, and his brother Vratislav succeeded to the dukedom. Vratislav’s wife Drahomíra had remained a pagan, and grew increasingly resentful of the influence of Ludmila over their son Václav. She had been largely responsible for the upbringing of her grandson, and when Vratislav died in 921, Ludmila, now a widow, acted as regent for the young Václav [also known as Wenceslas]. Drahomíra’s jealousy became so intense that on 15 September 921 she despatched two assassins to murder Ludmila in her castle at Tetín; tradition has it that they strangled her with her own veil. Her body was initially buried in the castle church of St. Michael, but at some date before 1100 it was reinterred in the basilica of St. George in Prague.”

According to Legenda Christiani: “She was generous with alms, persevering in nocturnal devotions, devout in prayers, and perfect in charity and humble among the unknowing. She was so willing in her care for God’s servants that to those to whom she was unable to offer help during the light of day, she would send urgent help through her servants during the dark of night…This mother to orphans, consoler to widows, and indefatigable visitor of the fettered and imprisoned was perfect in all good deeds.”

Ludmila of Bohemia (860-921).

If there was richness in the faith of Timothy, the “true son” of the Apostle Paul, it flowed from the faith of his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. Pause and thank God for your mother and grandmother(s) (if they are still living) forward this email to them and express gratitude.

I’ve posted quotes from Cyril and Methodius in the past but this is the first about Ludmila. I want to point out her influence as a mother and grandmother. Speaking of influence, I give thanks for my wife, Jenni, who is the greatest mother ever and now she’s a grandmother!

It’s a good and yet dangerous thing when people of influence, like Ludmila, seek to turn the people of their land toward Christ. That’s her story. She and her husband were the first Christian rulers of Bohemia. They were driven away for this, but then later returned.

Notice that Ludmila’s reputation was “mother to orphans, consoler to widows, and indefatigable visitor of the fettered and imprisoned was perfect in all good deeds” and that as a grandmother she “acted as regent for the young Václav.”

You might ask, what impact did she have? It’s true her life was cut short. So, as I board my flight today for Frankfurt and then connect to Prague, I want to keep you in suspense. But I will offer this clue. Her grandson that she helped raise, Václav, is also known as Wenceslas.

Sometimes the greatest impact and the most generous contribution we can make in the world is being a indefatigable mother to children and a grandmother to grandchildren or indefatigable father to children and grandfather to grandchildren.

And please pray for my safe travel to Prague today. Thank you. I will share more on the purpose of the trip tomorrow.

Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Colossians 4:17-18

In these last days the thoughts of Hus turned once more to his old friend and comrade in past struggles, Christian Prachaticz. Christian unfortunately had somewhat fallen away. We feel the shadow of this fall cast over this last brief letter of Hus to one who had been at one period his closest correspondent.

Letter LXXII To Master Christian (dated to 22 June 1415)

“Master Christian, my master and particular benefactor, take your stand on Christ’s truth and cling to the faithful. Do not be afraid; for the Lord will shortly grant you a defense and increase the number of Christ’s faithful ones. Be kind to the poor, as you have ever been. You have, I hope, kept your chastity and fled avarice; continue to flee it, and for your own sake to not be a pluralist. Ever hold fast to the Church that the faithful may flock to you as to a kind father. Greet affectionately Master Jakoubec and all the friends of the truth. Written in chains in expectation of being burnt.”

John Hus (1369-1415) in The Letters of John Hus, with introductions and explanatory notes by Herbert B. Workman and R. Martin Pope (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1904) 249-250.

I am enjoying reading about saints related to Prague and Czech Republic (the land formerly known as Bohemia) where I head on Monday. If you don’t know his, it’s worth reading a summary here, John Hus: Faithful unto Death.

The Archbishop of Prague pressured him to stop preaching, Hus persisted. He valued biblical teaching above all use. Despite imprisonment and an offer of freedom, he said, “I would not, for a chapel full of gold, recede from the truth.”

He not only remained committed to Christ to the end, he wanted others like Christian to fear not, to care for the poor and flee avarice, and to hold fast to the Church and to truth. His words seem to echo Paul to Archippus. Take your stand and finish well.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Over the next week, I have determined research saints from Prague and the region of Czechia (a.k.a. Czech Republic) and formerly known as Bohemia to learn of the history before I travel to Prague via Frankfurt on Monday on behalf of GTP for strategic EGCC meetings. Today’s post is long but the perseverance of this patriarch inspires me. I pray it blesses you.

“Originally given the name of Wojtech, the boy who would be known as St. Adalbert was born to a family of nobility in the Central European region of Bohemia during the mid-900s. When Wojtech became seriously ill during his childhood, his parents resolved that they would offer their son to God as a priest if their prayers for his survival were granted.

Wojtech survived the illness, and his parents sent him to study with Archbishop Adalbert of Magdeburg, a Benedictine missionary who would later be canonized in his own right. The archbishop gave the young student his own name at confirmation, setting an example that the boy would follow in his own life as a bishop, missionary and monk.

The young Adalbert was 25 when his mentor died in 981. He returned to his native Bohemia, where Bishop Deitmar of Prague ordained him a priest two years later.

However, the end of Bishop Deitmar’s life provided the young priest with a cautionary example that would remain with him until the end of his life. During his last illness, the bishop became terrified of his impending judgment, confessing that he had neglected his spiritual duties in favor of wealth, honors and pleasure.

After watching his bishop die on the verge of despair, Adalbert immediately resolved to live his own life in a more penitential spirit than before. He began wearing a hair-shirt and distributing his money to the poor. Soon, he would be chosen to replace the bishop whose agonizing death had shown him the gravity of spiritual leadership.

Adalbert was consecrated as the Bishop of Prague just months after becoming a priest. “It is an easy thing to wear the mitre and a cross,” Adalbert reflected, “but it is a most dreadful circumstance to have an account to give of a bishopric to the judge of the living and the dead.”

The bishop took steps to reform the finances of his diocese, ensuring that his own expenses made up only a small portion of the budget. Meanwhile, he slept on the floor, fasted regularly, gave sermons almost daily, and visited poor neighborhoods and prisons.

But in six years of constant prayer, fasting, and preaching, Bishop Adalbert made little headway among the Bohemians. The low point came when he unsuccessfully attempted to shield a woman convicted of adultery from a mob that sought to kill her. He responded by excommunicating the murderers, but the public seemed to favor them rather than the bishop.

Frustrated and dejected, Adalbert journeyed to Rome and asked Pope John XV for permission to retire from his diocese in 989. He joined a Roman monastery and purposely took on its most undesirable tasks of work and maintenance.

Five years after Adalbert’s departure, the Archbishop of Mentz – who had consecrated him as a bishop – asked the Pope to send him back to the diocese of Prague. Pope John did so, but made it clear that Adalbert was free to leave if the residents of his diocese continued to resist him.

When their former bishop returned, the residents of Prague welcomed him warmly and promised to change their ways. Sadly, however, this promise proved false, and Adalbert came to fear that he might be driven to despair by the rebellious locals. In keeping with the Pope’s provision, he left and became a missionary to the Hungarians.

In the course of his Hungarian missions, Adalbert taught – among many others – King Stephen I, who would later be canonized as St. Stephen of Hungary. Afterward, he returned to the Roman monastery of St. Boniface, where he served in the office of prior. But Adalbert’s consecrator remained insistent that he should return to Prague yet again.

Pope Gregory V finally ordered Adalbert to resume his duties as the Bishop of Prague. This time, however, the citizens defied him openly. A Bohemian prince named Boleslaus went so far as to kill several of Adalbert’s relatives and burn their homes, to make it clear how unwelcome his presence would be.

Nonetheless, Adalbert attempted to obey the Pope’s charge, and sent a message asking whether the other residents of Prague might allow him to return. The response he received indicated he should not come back, and would be in danger if he chose to do so.

Rejected by his own people, Adalbert decided to begin a mission to the pagan tribes in Poland and northeastern Germany. He successfully converted many of them, but eventually encountered the same hostility that had driven him from his diocese. This was partly because he denounced the native practices of tree-worship and human sacrifice, but also because he was suspected of being a Polish spy.

A pagan priest eventually captured Adalbert and his two companions, binding them and taking them hostage while they slept. Adalbert prayed aloud, offering his own life to God and begging forgiveness for his attackers.

“You had it always in your mouth that it was your desire to die for Christ,” he heard the pagan priest say, as he stabbed Adalbert in the chest with a lance. Six others proceeded to stab him, and he died of his wounds on April 23, 997.

A Polish prince ransomed back St. Adalbert’s body from the pagans, exchanging his remains for their weight in gold. His relics were transferred to the Polish city of Gniezno, and kept in the church known as Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Adalbert.”

Adalbert of Prague was martyred (and I did not know this when I located him) on this day exactly 1,025 years ago. Find the source of his story here.

I am curious what parts you liked. Feel free to message me. Two touched me deeply. Firstly, this section about how he served when he ascended to the role of bishop.

“The bishop took steps to reform the finances of his diocese, ensuring that his own expenses made up only a small portion of the budget. Meanwhile, he slept on the floor, fasted regularly, gave sermons almost daily, and visited poor neighborhoods and prisons.”

Notice he wanted to take a very small salary, reform the finances, live simply, fast regularly, and preach every opportunity he could, while serving the poor and prisoners.

Secondly, it touched me that a polish prince, probably impacted by his mission work there, felt his body was “worth its weight in gold.” Let’s pray to live like that. As we give our lives in service, may those who look on say that we are worth our weight in gold.

God, thanks for the sacrifice and the example of Adalbert of Prague! Empower us by your Holy Spirit to imitate him. Hear our prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25

“The Church is one, and by her fertility has extended by degrees into many lands. In the same way, the sun has many rays, but its light is one; a tree has many branches but a single trunk drawing nourishment from a deep root; many streams can issue from a single source.

In each case, multiplicity is fed from a single source and unity is preserved in the source itself. You cannot separate a ray from the sun any more than you can divide its light. Break off a branch from a tree, and once broken it will bud no more. Dam a stream from its source and the water will dry up.

In the same way, the Church, flooded with the light of the Lord, puts forth her rays throughout the world, but it is an identical light that is being diffused, and the unity of the body is not impaired. She extends her branches over the whole world in rich abundance. She pours out her generous rivers but there is one source.”

Cyprian of Carthage in On the Unity of the Church as recounted in Celebrating the Saints, compiled by Robert Atwell (SCM: Norwich, 2004) 85.

Cyprian offers a beautiful picture of our role as conduits or channels of blessing. We are generous rivers whose generosity flows from but one source.

As we dispense blessings, we can do so with confidence that God will refill us with an ongoing deposit of whatever we need for our use and for our sharing.

Cyprian also reminds us to stay connected to the Source. I find this to be true holistically linked to living, giving, serving, and loving.

So the lesson today is at least twofold. God made us to be channels of abundance blessing, but to play that role we remain connected to the Source of all that is infinitely good.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

“This activity of our heart may be compared, not inappropriately, to that of a mill which is activated by the circular motion of water. The mill cannot cease operations so long as it is driven by the pressure of the water, and then it becomes quite feasible for the person in charge to decide whether he [or she] prefers wheat or barley or darnel to be ground. And one thing is clear: only that will be ground which is fed in by the person who is in charge.

In a similar fashion, the mind is under constant pressure in this life. From all sides temptation comes in torrents to drive it along and in no way will it be free of turbulent thoughts. But the workings of zeal and diligence will decide which of these thoughts may be allowed in and cultivated. And, as I have said already, if we turn to the constant meditation on Scripture, if we lift up our memory to the things of the Spirit, to the longing for perfection, and to the hope of future blessedness, then the thoughts deriving from all this will of necessity be spiritual and they will hold the mind there thoughts have been.

However, if we are overcome by sloth or by carelessness, if we give ourselves over to dangerous and useless chattering, if we are caught up by worldly cares and in profitless worries, then there will follow in effect from this a harvest of tares to serve as a ministry of death to our hearts. As the Lord and Saviour of us all proclaimed, where treasure lies for our works and for our hopes, our hearts will of necessity abide there too.”

John Cassian (360-435) in Conferences as recounted in Celebrating the Saints, compiled by Robert Atwell (SCM: Norwich, 2004) 81-82.

The title of this classic work, Conferences, could be rendered, Meetings with Monks, for that is what it is. A record of a series of discussions between desert fathers who were deeply dedicated to God.

Here, Cassian looks at the heart to choose zeal and diligence over sloth and carelessness. If we don’t give ourselves to the former, we find ourselves caught up in the latter: “worldly cares and in profitless worries” instead.

By using the comparison to the mill, he gives us a picture of the forces at work, both for an against us. Constant pressure. But it is our choice what to make in the mill and how to stay focused along the way: constant meditation.

Perhaps that’s why God led me to do daily posts almost 13 years ago, and why you read them? As today’s Scripture notes, we need to remain steadfast. Let’s make generosity in our mill for God and others.

God help us not be overcome by the turbulent thoughts.