St. Gregory of Nyssa
Feast day: Jan. 10
“You alone are made in the likeness of that nature which transcends all understanding; you alone are a likeness of the eternal beauty, a receptacle of happiness, an image of the true light; and if you look up to him, you will become what he is, imitating him who shines within you, whose glory is reflected in your purity.”
These are the words of St. Gregory of Nyssa, bishop, theologian and defender at ecumenical councils, but known primarily as a scholar whose writings often focus on growing in relationship with God. An author of theological, mystical and monastic works, he was born into a devout family in 335 in Cappadocia, a region of Asia Minor that is now Turkey. Several family members had religious vocations, including his brothers St. Peter of Sebaste and St. Basil the Great, who was a significant role model for him. A gifted student in philosophy and rhetoric, St. Gregory initially was a teacher, but he remained indecisive for years. A turning point for him was a dream in which martyrs questioned his lukewarmness and urged him to a life of greater holiness. With the encouragement of his siblings, St. Gregory found direction, chose to disregard vain living and entered a monastery, where he studied for several years.
In 372, at his brother Basil’s insistence, he became a bishop to help Basil, St. Gregory of Nazianzen, and other members of the Church hierarchy combat the heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. He participated in the First Council of Constantinople in 381, which effectively quashed the heresy and reaffirmed the Nicene Creed. St. Gregory was also active in synods and attempted to resolve disputes between churches. His preserved letters show how he spoke out against usury and the postponement of baptism. In his “Great Catechesis,” St. Gregory explained the importance of the sacraments in restoring the image of God in human nature lost to sin.
With St. Basil and St. Gregory of Nazianzen, St. Gregory of Nyssa is considered one of the “Cappadocian Fathers,” known for their writings on the Trinity. However, although he accomplished much as a theologian, St. Gregory is most well known for his spiritual writings, which emphasize that the spiritual life is not one of static perfection but of constant progress. Pope Benedict XVI described St. Gregory’s most important lesson was understanding that “total human fulfilment consists in holiness, in a life lived in the encounter with God, which thus becomes luminous also to others and to the world” (General Audience, Aug. 29, 2007).
St. Gregory explains this close relationship we all can have with God in one of his homilies on the Song of Songs: “All the heavens can fit in the palm of God’s hand; the earth and the seas are measured in the hollow of his hand. And though he is so great he can grasp all creation in his palm, you can wholly embrace him; he dwells within you … his entire being pervades you, saying: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them.'”
St. Gregory sees us drawn to God because we are made in his image and likeness. By purifying ourselves of sin, we are on a spiritual journey towards union with God, as he explains in his “Life of Moses.” We experience the Lord in stages as we advance spiritually by consciously choosing to follow Christ. This choice to rid ourselves of sin entails sacrifice but brings us greater joy as we progress, according to St. Gregory. As we detach from the love of material possessions and even change our thoughts and opinions, we find ever more glory and joy in living in dialogue with our God. Reflecting on St. Paul, St. Gregory notes, “Paul does not let the graces he has obtained become the limit of his desire, but he continues to go on and on, never ceasing his ascent.”
St. Gregory also interpreted the Lord’s Prayer and wrote on the Eight Beatitudes and consecrated virginity. With Christ, he considered human beings as living the life of royalty. God, “the best artist, forges our nature so as to make it suitable for the exercise of royalty,” he writes in De hominis opificio (“On the Making of Man”). “Through the superiority given by the soul and through the very make-up of the body, he arranges things in such a way that man is truly fit for regal power.” Living in the light of Jesus, a person becomes a reflection of God’s original beauty. In God alone is our fulfillment, explains St. Gregory.
After several political struggles in which he triumphed, St. Gregory returned to Nyssa, his first assignment, and lived the remainder of his life devoted to contemplative prayer and his writing. He died in about 394.
Reflection
Dear Jesus, help me to draw close to you in prayer so that I can see what you want me to do, where I should go, and what you want me to give away. May I abide in you to be your light, the best version of myself.
