Give Me A Word

“Behold, the maidservant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Luke 1:38

St. Mary, the Mother of God and mother of us all

St. Mary, the Mother of God and mother of us all, reveals that the foundation of the monastic life is surrender to God’s will in purity, silence, and hiddenness. She is the first Amma—the model of virginity and consecration—who kept all things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19). Her quiet “yes” to the angel opened the way of salvation for the whole world. In her humility, we behold the essence of discipleship: to deny ourselves so that Christ may be revealed in us. As the womb of the Virgin became the dwelling of the Word, so also the soul, through stillness and obedience, becomes a dwelling-place for Christ.

Word for us today:

Whether monastic or lay, we are called to bear Christ in purity of heart, to walk in humility, and to echo St. Mary’s words: “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:30

St. John, the great prophet and ascetic

St. John, the great prophet and ascetic, lived in the wilderness clothed in simplicity and fed by God’s providence. His entire life was a testimony to repentance, prayer, and detachment from the world. He cried out in the desert, “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3:3), calling all to turn their hearts toward Christ. His word to his disciples, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), reveals the essence of monastic life. To decrease is to empty oneself of pride, passions, and self-will, so that Christ may fill the soul with His light. Like St. John, the monk and nun live as voices crying out—not with many words, but with a life of silence, repentance, and witness.

Word for us today:

In a world filled with noise and self-promotion, we are invited to the humility of St. John: to live simply, to repent sincerely, and to let Christ increase within us.

“It is good to live in stillness and inner quiet… but be watchful, for the evil one comes right away.”
Mother Theodora

Mother Theodora of Alexandria

Mother Theodora speaks with wisdom and honesty about the struggle for stillness. The moment the soul turns toward silence and prayer, the enemy stirs up discouragement, troubling thoughts, and even bodily weakness. These temptations come to unsettle the spirit and draw us away from God. But she assures us that perseverance brings victory. By resisting despair and standing in prayer—whether in the Liturgy or in quiet remembrance of God—the clouds of temptation lift. What at first feels like a battle becomes the doorway to peace.

Word for us today:

Do not flee when discouragement comes—remain watchful and stand in prayer. When you feel heavy, discouraged, or distracted in prayer, remain steadfast. Stillness will blossom after the struggle.

“It is possible to be a solitary in one’s mind while living in a crowd.”
Mother Syncletica

Amma Syncletica of Alexandria

Amma Syncletica reminds us that solitude is not about geography but about the state of the heart. One may live in the desert yet still be surrounded by restless thoughts, or live in the city yet keep the mind anchored in Christ. True monastic life is a hidden work within: turning inward, gathering the scattered thoughts, and resting in the presence of God. Her teaching is a comfort for all who long for stillness but cannot withdraw to the desert. The real desert begins in the heart, when prayer becomes our constant breath and silence guards the soul.

Word for us today:

Seek to cultivate inner silence wherever you are, and Christ will make your heart His dwelling place.

St. Katherine of Alexandria & St. Verena Coptic Orthodox Convent

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