In the beginning, there is struggle and a lot of work for those who come near to God. But after that, there is indescribable joy. It is just like building a fire: at first it’s smoky and your eyes water, but later you get the desired result. Thus we ought to light the divine fire in ourselves with tears and effort.
– Amma Syncletica
from ‘Desert Sayings’ quoted in How Shall We Live by Joan Chittister, OSB.
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