Saint Gregory Palamas learned much through heavenly revelations. After he had spent three years in stillness in a cell of the Great Lavra, it became necessary for him to go out among men and benefit them with his accumulated knowledge and experience.
God revealed this necessity to him through an
extraordinary vision:
One day, as though in a light sleep, Gregory saw
himself holding a vessel in his hand, full to overflowing with milk. Gradually,
the milk turned into wine, which likewise spilled over the rim and drenched his
hands and garments.
Then a radiant youth appeared and said:
“Why would you not give others some of this wonderful
drink that you are wasting so carelessly? Or are you not aware that this is the
gift of God's grace?”
To this, Gregory replied:
“But if there is no one in our time who feels the need
for such a drink, to whom shall I give it?”
Then the youth said:
“Whether there are some who thirst for such a drink or
whether there are none, you are obligated to fulfil your duty and not neglect
the gift of God.”
Gregory interpreted the milk as representing the
common knowledge of moral life and conduct, and the wine as representing
dogmatic teaching.
No comments:
Post a Comment