Urodivoi: Holy Fools (Madonna House Classics)

How to take risks for Christ and His Gospel! Gods foolishness is wiser than human wisdom (I Corinthians 1:25). In Russian piety, Urodivoi are holy fools. They live out the folly of the cross literally, and are indifferent to human respect and judgements. Urodivoi freely embrace an exterior form of folly and eccentricity, abandoning normal prudence and foresight. From early Christian time the charism of folly for Christ was recognized and placed side by side with the folly of the martyrs who renounced the supreme value of life to bear witness that Christ is the only value worth living for. A prime characteristic of fools for Christ is their extreme freedom, which allows them to reproach and correct in a fraternal way even the rich and powerful, even the czar... In Urodivoi Catherine urges readers to be fools for Christ, and gives concrete suggestions on how to do it. She encourages her listeners to open the doors of their hearts to the Lord of love, to the foolishness of the Cross. In this powerful book, the author shares her experience of humility as the foundation of the spiritual journey. Gives practical suggestions for following Christ more closely. A book for anyone who wants to love God more.