Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your brother, in the grip of this sickness, is a saint, for the faith makes sainthood, and every soul that calls upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is sanctified. If we see even a secular person in misfortune, we must stretch out a hand; how much more when one of our own household lies under so heavy a blow. Do not let your heart be troubled as though God were far off. The enemy breeds even sickness of body to devour us, but let us beseech God together, saying, Bruise Satan under our feet; for Christ is the physician of souls and bodies.
Bring this trial, then, not as a charge against heaven, but as an occasion to gain your brother forever. When the body groans, the spirit often is made stronger. Pray not as one demanding his own way, but as one casting himself upon mercy. The Lord allowed afflictions even under the old covenant, not to destroy, but to draw men to himself. Let your prayer be that of the leper: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make him clean. And if a transplant should be required, God who formed the liver and all the inward parts knows how to provide. Let us not narrow his power by our fears.
Therefore, let the whole church lift up holy hands without wrath or doubting. We will cry out for your brother, that this cancer be taken away, that the sickness be rebuked, and that peace may return to your household. Do not cease to hope; often that which seems incurable becomes the very door through which the glory of God enters. Stand firm, and let us all minister to this saint in his affliction, for in doing so we minister to Christ himself.
Bring this trial, then, not as a charge against heaven, but as an occasion to gain your brother forever. When the body groans, the spirit often is made stronger. Pray not as one demanding his own way, but as one casting himself upon mercy. The Lord allowed afflictions even under the old covenant, not to destroy, but to draw men to himself. Let your prayer be that of the leper: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make him clean. And if a transplant should be required, God who formed the liver and all the inward parts knows how to provide. Let us not narrow his power by our fears.
Therefore, let the whole church lift up holy hands without wrath or doubting. We will cry out for your brother, that this cancer be taken away, that the sickness be rebuked, and that peace may return to your household. Do not cease to hope; often that which seems incurable becomes the very door through which the glory of God enters. Stand firm, and let us all minister to this saint in his affliction, for in doing so we minister to Christ himself.
