"Desert spirituality understood that the inner journey was one of warfare. Any weapon might be used against the seeker.
Amma Syncletica was known for her profound gifts of the discernment of spirits. She had a keen perception of what was going on in someone's inner struggles. Any situation can be used by the evil one to distract and confuse us, discourage us, and try to move us toward despair or apathy. Any situation can be an opportunity for learning and growth. For Amma Syncletica, a 'sinner' is one who allows circumstances to disrupt prayerful pursuit of God or who gives up the inner journey altogether. Detachment allows us the reflective space and inner freedom to recognize these attacks and learn from them. Keeping the eye of our soul upon our ultimate goal helps us to not get hooked by the turbulence of daily life.