Syncletica of Alexandria

Just as it is not possible to be at once both plant and seed, so is it impossible for us to produce heavenly fruit with earthly glory lying all around us.

Amma Syncletica of Alexandria was one of the Desert Mothers quoted in the Apophthegmata Patrum (Sayings of the Desert Fathers).

Quotes

Wortley, John (2014). Give Me a Word: The Alphabetical Sayings of the Desert Fathers. Yonkers, New York: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. ISBN 978-0-88141-497-4. 

• She also said: “Just as it is not possible to be at once both plant and seed, so is it impossible for us to produce heavenly fruit with earthly glory lying all around us.”
  • Saying 22 (S 4)

• She also said: “Just as a ship cannot be built without nails, so is it impossible to be saved without humble-mindedness.”
  • Saying 27 (S 10)