Amma Syncletica said, “In the beginning there are a great many battles and a good deal of suffering for those who are advancing towards God and, after wards, ineffable joy. It is like those who wish to light a fire. At first they are choked with smoke and cry, until they obtain what they seek. As it is written, “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:24); so we also must kindle the divine fire in ourselves through tears and hard work.”
