Serpents and Doves

Amma Syncletica died ca. 375

It is written, “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Mat. 10:16) Being like serpents means not ignoring attacks and wiles of the devil. Like is quickly known to like. The simplicity of the dove denotes purity of action. (Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Amma Syncletica:18)