Required reading
Ante-Nicene Fathers (Vol 6) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence the work of Methodius by beginning 'The banquet of the ten virgins' and reading Discourses I to IV.
My summary
Today we begin 'The banquet of the ten virgins' by Methodius.
The work is a dialogue between virgins about the importance of virginity.
In today's reading, to prove their points the virgins draw upon the teachings of:
(i) Jesus;
(ii) Paul;
(iii) David (in the Psalms);
(iv) Jeremiah.
What grabbed me
Although we have to be vigilant against sexual immorality, I feel this work has an over-emphasis on virginity as though it is the highest of all virtues.
Yet, statements like this can be helpful: 'Now the breastband, the girdle which gathers together and keeps firm the purpose of the soul to chastity, is love to God, which our Captain and Shepherd, Jesus, who is also our Ruler and Bridegroom, O illustrious virgins, commands both you and me to hold fast unbroken and sealed up even to the end; for one will not easily find anything else a greater help to men than this possession, pleasing and grateful to God. Therefore, I say, that we should all exercise and honour chastity, and always cultivate and commend it.'
Love to God can overcome all temptations.
Next week's reading
Continue the work of Methodius by beginning 'The banquet of the ten virgins' and reading Discourses V to VIII.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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