A Pathway to Perseverance

Reframing Discipline

During Bible Study on Wednesday, we reflected on the Epistle Reading for Orthodoxy Sunday (Hebrews 12:1-10). 

One of the conversations we had narrowed in on the word discipline and what it means. For many in this world, discipline carries a sting of punishment, a sense of harsh correction. But what if we saw it differently—not as punitive, but as transformative? Discipline, after all, can guide us, teach us, and help us grow. 

For you etymology fans out there: the word itself reveals this duality. The Latin disciplina meant "instruction" or "teaching" and came from discipulus, meaning "student." As it passed into Old French descepline and later Middle English, its connotations expanded to include punishment and chastisement. Over time, especially by the 18th-century Enlightenment, discipline became more about training, self-mastery, and growth. Today, it embodies an act of love that strengthens perseverance, draws us closer to God, and refines us for His glory.

Perseverance and the Wisdom St. Paul offers the Hebrews

St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews offers a new way to view discipline:

The imagery of running a race captures the essence of perseverance: effort, focus, and determination. It requires us to lay aside burdens—sins, doubts, and distractions—and fix our eyes on Christ, who endured the ultimate discipline for our sake. Paul reminds us: “The Lord disciplines those He loves.” This loving discipline strengthens and prepares us, not to harm but to transform. This reading also points to the "cloud of witnesses"—the saints who’ve persevered before us. Their examples inspire us to embrace discipline, not as punishment, but as preparation for spiritual growth and unwavering faith.

An Encounter with St. Anthony

At Forgiveness Vespers, I sat quietly in a corner near an icon of St. Anthony, the desert father. He held a book with the words, “I will no longer fear the Lord, I will love Him.” His profound statement stirred me to reflect on his incredible journey of perseverance. What spiritual battles must he have fought to reach such a conclusion? How did he fear the Lord?

St. Anthony’s life vividly illustrates discipline as perseverance. He fought against logismoi—intrusive, tempting thoughts—through prayer, fasting, and Scripture.

Living in a tomb, he endured terrifying illusions such as wild beasts and monstrous creatures trying to terrify and harm him. They were sent by the devil to distract him from Christ. Yet, through unwavering trust in God, Anthony persevered. When a vision of light finally appeared, he asked why God had delayed. God responded that He had been watching Anthony’s struggle and was now rewarding his perseverance.

Later, Anthony faced temptations of wealth, comfort, and fear during his years in the desert. These distractions sought to derail his devotion, but he used each trial to deepen his trust in God. Anthony’s story reminds us that discipline is more than enduring trials; it transforms them into opportunities for spiritual growth.

St. Anthony’s life reveals that discipline is not punitive but an act of love that helps us carry our cross. How blessed we are to share in Christ’s discipline! As we journey through Lent, let us build habits of prayer, immerse ourselves in Scripture, and draw encouragement from the “cloud of witnesses,” both in the Bible and in our communities.

The Joy Set Before Us

At the heart of discipline is Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,” who endured discipline out of love for us. His example reframes discipline, not as a burden, but as a joyful journey of transformation, communion, and eternal joy with God.

With love in Christ,

Maria