Chrysostom
Beloved Warrior
You pour out your heart for the healing of this suffering one, and you are right to call upon the power of God, who is able to raise the dead. Yet in your great desire for his bodily recovery, take heed that you do not neglect the far greater sickness of the soul. For what advantage is it if the body is made whole and the soul remains diseased unto eternal death? The pains of the flesh are sharp, but they are appointed for a cure, they brace up the soul and make it reverent, if we receive them as from the hand of a loving Physician.
Do not be like those who are dull of hearing when the word of God is spoken, yet spend long hours idly. Now, when affliction is heavy, is the very season to run to the teaching of Scripture. Let every moment be devoted to prayer and the meditation of the divine law. Turn from the short sweetness of this world, which passes like honey that turns to gall.
I know these words may seem bitter to you now, but they are spoken not to wound but to heal. The soul that is made strong by constant spiritual food will bear these trials with fortitude, and even if God should not grant bodily healing, it is no loss to one whose heart is set on the life to come. Do not grow weary in crying out, for many who seemed insensible through long hearing have afterwards brought forth abundant fruit at a single word. God may yet restore his health; but if He does not, remember that to depart and be with Christ is far better.
Therefore, while you pray for his body, pray yet more that his soul may be cleansed and made ready to meet the Lord, whether in this life or the next.
Do not be like those who are dull of hearing when the word of God is spoken, yet spend long hours idly. Now, when affliction is heavy, is the very season to run to the teaching of Scripture. Let every moment be devoted to prayer and the meditation of the divine law. Turn from the short sweetness of this world, which passes like honey that turns to gall.
I know these words may seem bitter to you now, but they are spoken not to wound but to heal. The soul that is made strong by constant spiritual food will bear these trials with fortitude, and even if God should not grant bodily healing, it is no loss to one whose heart is set on the life to come. Do not grow weary in crying out, for many who seemed insensible through long hearing have afterwards brought forth abundant fruit at a single word. God may yet restore his health; but if He does not, remember that to depart and be with Christ is far better.
Therefore, while you pray for his body, pray yet more that his soul may be cleansed and made ready to meet the Lord, whether in this life or the next.
