January 10 - St. Gregory of Nyssa

Gregory of Nyssa (c. 330-395), one of the Greek fathers of the church, was a great theologian and apologist for orthodox Christianity in the days when it was challenged by Arians, who denied that Jesus was fully divine.  Gregory became bishop of Nyssa in Armenia, but his Arian opponents managed to have him exiled for two years on trumped-up charges.  He returned to Nyssa and later played a significant role in the Council of Constantinople, which condemned the Arian heresy.  He wrote Bible commentaries and catechetical works for new Christians, and he traveled extensively preaching sermons.

Since Catholics celebrate the baptism of Jesus today, here is an excerpt from one of Gregory's sermons on baptism:

 

Do not dismiss the divine washing.  Don't think of it as something common because it uses mere water.  For the power at work is mighty, and wonderful are the things that work by that power....

 

There are many things that appear to be contemptible, but accomplish mighty works.  This is especially true if you search the ancient history.  Moses' rod was a hazel switch -- common wood that any hands might cut and carry, and use as they please before tossing it into the fire.  But when God wanted to work miracles through that rod -- great miracles, beyond the power of words to express -- the wood was changed into a serpent.  Another time, he struck the water, and he turned the water into blood;  then he called forth a countless brood of frogs;  then he divided the sea, cut to its depths without flowing together again.

 

Likewise, the mantle of one of the prophets, a simple goatskin, made Elisha famous throughout the whole world.

 

The wood of the cross holds saving power for everyone, even though it is, I'm told, a piece of a common tree of little value.

 

A bramble bush showed the presence of God to Moses.

 

The remains of Elisha raised a dead man to life.

 

Clay gave sight to a man who was blind from the womb.

 

All these, though they were material things without soul or sense, were made instruments for the working of miracles when they received the power from God.

 

In the same way, water, though it is nothing but water, renews someone to spiritual rebirth, when the grace from above makes it holy.  

 

Thank you, God, for raising us to new life in Christ through the saving waters of Baptism.  And thank you for continuing your good work in us.