Reflection 3

Origen was one of the most learned and incomparably the greatest scholar and theologian of the Eastern church in the early centuries and his fame as teacher spread far and wide. He was "the genius of the early church. "Having mastered a full range of pagan philosophy and literature, he could speak as an authority in his own right. No longer pleading for mere toleration by pagan authorities, whether political or intellectual, Origen launched a vigorous counteroffensive. As one of the greatest minds of his age, he debated with pagan philosophers as their superior. He also traveled widely, and became acquainted with Christian leaders throughout the Roman world. His life showed that a brilliant mind and a passionate heart for the Lord. He devoted many hours of each day to prayer and Bible study, strenuously forcing himself to almost unending toil, and living with little sleep and food. He fasted regularly and went about barefoot. In the ancient world, his self-denial served as a powerful form of "lifestyle evangelism.”

I was amazed how Origen dedicated his life in serving God. His life encouraged all of us to be brilliant and a passionate heart for God because that's the will of God in our lives. In our devotion and prayer time also, sometimes we feel so tired and so busy doing something, but his life reminded us to develop our relationship with God through meditation of His word and through prayer. I remembered a person who was very very consistent in his prayer life and I also admired him.

Therefore, I should be in constant communication with God. It is my prayer that God will give me a passionate heart for Him just like Origen and desire to grow in Jesus and be like Him.