Towards Pentecost, We Learn with Saint Basil

1. His joy, and hence the importance, regarding those who take an interest in theological matters.
2. The action of the Holy Spirit.

In Letter 159 of Saint Basil, it is evident that laypeople (such as Eupaterius and his daughter), in addition to the clergy, were interested in theological matters.

And Saint Basil says:

“Certainly, you can imagine for yourselves the joy I felt upon receiving your letter, if only for its content. What could be more pleasing to a man, whose desire is to communicate with people who always have the fear of God and to share in their blessings, than to receive a letter like this, in which questions are asked to know God? For if for us ‘to live is Christ’ (Phil 1:21), then our words must be about Christ, all our thoughts and deeds must depend on His commandments, and our soul must reproduce His image. Therefore, I rejoice that you ask me about such matters, and I congratulate those who have done so.”

And among other things, he explains:

“The creature is a slave, but the Spirit sets free (cf. Rom 8:21; 2 Cor 3:17); the creature needs to be given life, but the Spirit is the Giver of life (cf. Jn 6:63); the creature needs to be taught, but the Spirit is the one who teaches (cf. Jn 14:26); the creature is sanctified, but the Spirit is the one who sanctifies (cf. Rom 15:16; 1 Cor 6:11).”

And before concluding, he adds:

“May this brief summary be sufficient for you, pious friends, for from small seeds you will be able to cultivate the greatest harvest of piety, along with the help of the Holy Spirit. ‘Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser’ (Prov 9:9).”

Come, Holy Spirit, to set us free, give us life, teach us, and sanctify us. May we relish and take interest, more and more each day, in the things of God. I pray for you and commend myself to your prayers.

Sr. Monica Jaciuk, OSBM