Today I want to introduce you to one of the most awesome saints who ever lived – St. Basil the Great.
Living back in the 300s AD, Basil made a huge impact on the Church that we still feel today. He was a monk, bishop, and teacher of the faith, and cared for the poor. This guy did it all.
Let’s look at Basil’s amazing life and see why he’s so admired even today. I’ll share it like I’m telling a story to my buddies over pizza. Grab a slice and let’s get started.
A Brilliant Student with a Heart for God
Basil was born around 330 AD in Caesarea, in what is now Turkey. His family was very Christian, even his grandma and mom became saints.
As a young dude, Basil was off-the-charts smart. He got the best education in Constantinople and Athens. All his teachers were blown away by how eloquently he could explain complicated ideas.
After his studies, Basil taught rhetoric and law for a while. But he felt God calling him to leave regular life behind and devote himself completely to the faith.
Basil wanted to fully immerse himself in living for Jesus. And that’s exactly what he did.
Hitting the Road and Finding His Calling
Basil was inspired by monks and hermits who spent their days praying simply. To be like them, he traveled all over Egypt, Palestine, and Syria to visit their communities.
Seeing how devotedly they served God, Basil was pumped to live that way too.
When he returned home, he started a monastery where he could pray and help others. His sister Macrina, who was also sainted, joined him in his work.
Basil wrote two hugely popular books for monks on how to live in devotion to Christ. Over 1,700 years later, they’re still used by monks.
Leading with Wisdom and Compassion
Basil loved the peaceful monastery life. But the Church needed his gifts, so he became Bishop of Caesarea, a big important diocese.
As Bishop, Basil created ministries to serve folks struggling with hunger, homelessness, and sickness. He wasn’t afraid to speak truth to powerful leaders either. Basil guided the faithful with incredible wisdom.
In all he did, Basil kept his servant’s heart. He brought his knowledge, kindness and deep spirituality to the role. What a great example.
Defending the Truth with Brilliance
Some leaders in Basil’s time were teaching wrong ideas about Jesus. So Basil stepped up to boldly defend what Scripture and the Church taught.
He was skilled at explaining theology in clear ways everyone could grasp. To this day, Basil is honored big-time for his teachings on the faith.
Basil also worked hard to connect the Eastern and Western branches of the Church. He asked Rome for help with some big issues going on, even when they disappointed him.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
St. Basil the Great went to heaven in 379 AD. But his impact kept rippling out long after his death.
His teachings and monastery rules shaped Christianity enormously. He’s recognized as a top teacher of the faith. Groups serving the poor today still follow Basil’s example.
Most of all, Basil’s great love for God and others inspires us. His life shows us how to use our gifts for Jesus as he did.
So next time you hear about St. Basil, remember what an awesome saint he was. Let his life challenge us to serve God joyfully, even when it’s hard.
Basil teaches us that with God’s help, we can make a huge difference. We just need to take that first step of faith like he did long ago. Let’s go for it.
