Macrina the Younger—July 19, 2024

Today’s Readings:

AM Ecclesiasticus 51:13-22,Psalm 119:121-128 Philippians 3:7-11, Mark 5:20-34

Today’s Reflection:

Today the church remembers Macrina the Younger who was born in the fourth century in Cappadocia. Her family was prominent in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church of her time. She is called “the Younger” because she was named for her grandmother. Three of Macrina’s brothers became bishops and were spiritual leaders of their day. 

Macrina had a significant impact on the faithful as well. She was the founder of a monastic community of women. In fact, later her brother Basil, who gets much more recognition in the church than does Macrina, modeled his own Monestary after hers. There are many ways we could be inspired by Macrina, but I will highlight two. 

First, Macrina was admired for her devotion to prayer and for studying scripture. She helped to raise those soon-to-be bishop brothers. Therefore, her prayer life impacted theirs and they impacted thousands if not millions of people in their day and to this day. 

Second, Macrina used her privilege for the good. It is reported that she required that women who entered the order, whether slave or free, were treated the same. Imagine the courage and fortitude it took to create a cohesive community that renounced the cultural hierarchical norms. 

It seems to me that there is likely a strong correlation between Macrina’s prayer life and her courage to live out the counter-cultural tenants of her faith. It also strikes me as noteworthy that even though she was not nearly as well known as her brothers, her impact was profound. Reflecting on Macrina’s life affirms for me the importance of being true to prayer and study. And, it has me wondering where I am being invited to be brave in living more fully into the faith, even if it would not be comfortable?

Grace and Peace,

Mary Bea+

Question for Self-Reflection:

What ways of praying are meaningful to you? How does your prayer life impact the way you move in the world? Where are you being invited to be counter-cultural for the good?