Erin Galgay: The Relationship of Philosophical Discourse to the Final Words of Macrina

Not long after the death of his sister, Macrina, Gregory of Nyssa wrote two tracts reflecting upon her life and ascetic practice. In both texts, Gregory presents himself as philosophically and spiritually disoriented due to the deaths of Basil and the impending passing of Macrina. Prompted by Gregory’s grief and need for instruction, Macrina acts as his spiritual director. Gregory’s emotional state and his concerns about the soul and resurrection serve to initiate the dialogue in both texts. The philosophical complexities of these exchanges, the subject of much previous study, are a stark contrast to the self-initiated final words of Macrina. The bridge between the dialogue and her final prayer is alluded to in a moment of stern filial correction when Macrina calls Gregory to reflect upon his life so as to give thanksgiving for God’s beneficence. On the Soul and the Resurrection and portions of The Life of Macrina contain philosophical discourse and instruction which help re-orient Gregory to Christian faith and hope, but Macrina demands that Gregory examine himself through introspection and prayer as well.

            This paper argues that the philosophical discourses, conducted by Macrina for Gregory’s benefit, are only part of her effort to direct her brother to live the philosophical life and meet the challenges of grief. At key points throughout these texts, Macrina exhorts Gregory to orient himself to God through reflecting on his life and giving praise. Of key importance will be the approach of Pierre Hadot, who realized the relationship between discourse and practice in the philosophical life, and the importance of spiritual exercises. Earlier articles have applied Hadot’s insights to these texts individually, but this essay will show how The Life of Macrina and On the Soul and the Resurrection, taken together, portray Macrina as a model of the philosophical life. This paper explores how in a Christian context philosophical discourse as dialogue with fellow Christians complements prayer as another form of “discourse.” Macrina’s final words bring together her Christian worldview, rigorous philosophical knowledge, and her life of physical and spiritual discipline into a fully lived philosophy.