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St. Mark the Ascetic: Trials as Unexpected Affliction Leading to God
The post presents a saying of St. Mark the Ascetic on the nature of temptation. He writes that since no one pleases God without undergoing temptation, believers should thank God for everything that befalls them. He illustrates this with three biblical examples. Peter's successful catch by day followed an unsuccessful night of fishing (Luke 5:5).
Paul gained spiritual sight only after being struck with bodily blindness (Acts 9:8). Stephen saw the heavens open and beheld God only after being falsely accused as a blasphemer (Acts 6:13-7:36). St. Mark concludes that just as action in accordance with God is called virtue, so unforeseen affliction is called temptation.
The accompanying image shows an icon of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child framed by embossed scenes.
Main points
- St. Mark the Ascetic teaches that no one pleases God without temptation.
- Believers should thank God for all that befalls them.
- Peter's daytime catch followed a fruitless night (Luke 5:5).
- Paul received spiritual vision after physical blindness (Acts 9:8).
- Stephen saw heaven open after being slandered (Acts 6:13-7:36).