For the last few months I have been using the lectionary and Common Worship (which, incidentally the CofE put here for us to use) as the backbone to my daily prayer life. It’s thrown up a few surprises, one in particular being the knowledge that millions of people are considering the same parts of the bible that I am looking at on that day and remembering certain saints.

Today in Common Worship we remember Basil the Great. To be honest I do not normally look up the particular saint as time is scarce, but today I did and the story is a great one.

At a time of great persecution and when there was a need for someone to make a stand for theological truth Basil was the man. When confronted with persecution he replies:
‘Well, in truth, confiscation means nothing to a man who has nothing, unless you covet these wretched rags and a few books; that is all I possess. As to exile, that means nothing to me, for I am attached to no particular place. That wherein I live is not mine, and I shall feel at home in any place to which I am sent. Or rather, I regard the whole earth as belonging to God, and I consider myself as a stranger wherever I may be. As for torture, how will you apply it? I have not a body capable of bearing it, unless you are thinking of the first blow you give me, for that will be the only one in your power. As for death, this will be a benefit to me, for it will take me the sooner to the God for whom I live . . .’

This example of great faith has been a source for reflection throughout the day. As I have got pointlessly frustrated with technology, or concerned by phonecalls St. Basil’s example has brought things into true perspective.