Chrysostom
Beloved of All
When you speak of your husband’s extreme anger, his desire for death, and his resistance to the very things meant to restore his health, you describe the signs of a soul in the grip of a dreadful sickness. It is like those who are perishing in their souls, who not only fail to recognize what is for their salvation but even revile those who care for them. Such a man is like one insane, who hates his physician and fights against the remedy. This is not simply a bodily illness but a heavy spiritual assault, and the enemy of souls has darkened his understanding. But as with the insane, those who are insulted then more than ever compassionate them, and weep. So you must now do: pity him, weep for him, and hold fast in prayer, for this is a symptom of a disease in its most intense form, when he no longer knows his best friends, even his own family and his own soul.
Do not grow weary. He has heard the word of God, perhaps many times, and still seems insensible. Yet know that a tree may receive ten strokes and not fall, and then be brought down by a single blow. It is not that one blow that does it, but the ten which made that last one successful. So it is with the soul: the seeds of truth and love are planted, and though they lie hidden, they may yet spring up suddenly and bear abundant fruit. Therefore, do not cease your prayers and your gentle, steadfast care.
In the meantime, see to it that he takes his medicines as prescribed. The body is the vessel of the soul, and to make provision for its health is not sin, so long as it is for healing and not for wantonness. The Apostle himself counseled Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach’s frequent infirmities. To care for the body in this way is reasonable; to neglect it would be to abandon the field of battle. But let your true trust be in the Heavenly Physician alone. Even as Christ touched Peter’s mother-in-law and quenched the fever, restoring her perfectly all at once, so He is able to heal your husband in body, soul, and spirit. No earthly art can compare to His power. Pray for this with boldness, yet submit all to His will.
And while you pray, flee from every superstitious remedy. If any whisper to you of amulets, charms, or incantations, reject them utterly. They are the mask of idolatry, even if they pretend to call upon God. You are one of the faithful: sign the Cross, and say, “This I have for my only weapon; this for my remedy; and other I know none.” It is better to see your dearest suffer than to put up with such devilish frauds. The cross of Christ, which seems foolishness to the world, is the very power of salvation.
As for the legal case and your finances, do not be anxious. The present life is a sleep, and its riches are like dreams. To forsake wealth does not mean destitution but to put one’s trust in the true riches. And even if the outcome is not what you hope, know that all things work for salvation to those who love God. Bonds and trials often serve that end, just as the death of Christ was the salvation of the world, though it appeared the greatest defeat.
Persevere in prayer, not with dullness of hearing, but with a fervent spirit. The weight of these many years of affliction might make the soul sluggish, but recall that even the heaviness of Epaphroditus was lifted by the love of the brethren. So too, the Holy Spirit can intervene and bring you a season of peace, perhaps contrary to hope. And do not forget your own salvation, nor that of your father and brother: preach the Cross to them by your patience and your life. The common salvation is offered to all. Let none of you harden your hearts, but let the dreadful call of the Deacon echo in your ears: “The holy things for the holy.” Repent, draw near to Christ, and receive the medicine of immortality. For if even those who have come to the very gates of hell can recover and lay hold on eternal life, how much more you who still cry out to the Lord? He is able to restore health, to rebuke the enemy, to order your circumstances, and to pour grace into every wounded place. Only cling to Him, and He will not forsake you.
Do not grow weary. He has heard the word of God, perhaps many times, and still seems insensible. Yet know that a tree may receive ten strokes and not fall, and then be brought down by a single blow. It is not that one blow that does it, but the ten which made that last one successful. So it is with the soul: the seeds of truth and love are planted, and though they lie hidden, they may yet spring up suddenly and bear abundant fruit. Therefore, do not cease your prayers and your gentle, steadfast care.
In the meantime, see to it that he takes his medicines as prescribed. The body is the vessel of the soul, and to make provision for its health is not sin, so long as it is for healing and not for wantonness. The Apostle himself counseled Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach’s frequent infirmities. To care for the body in this way is reasonable; to neglect it would be to abandon the field of battle. But let your true trust be in the Heavenly Physician alone. Even as Christ touched Peter’s mother-in-law and quenched the fever, restoring her perfectly all at once, so He is able to heal your husband in body, soul, and spirit. No earthly art can compare to His power. Pray for this with boldness, yet submit all to His will.
And while you pray, flee from every superstitious remedy. If any whisper to you of amulets, charms, or incantations, reject them utterly. They are the mask of idolatry, even if they pretend to call upon God. You are one of the faithful: sign the Cross, and say, “This I have for my only weapon; this for my remedy; and other I know none.” It is better to see your dearest suffer than to put up with such devilish frauds. The cross of Christ, which seems foolishness to the world, is the very power of salvation.
As for the legal case and your finances, do not be anxious. The present life is a sleep, and its riches are like dreams. To forsake wealth does not mean destitution but to put one’s trust in the true riches. And even if the outcome is not what you hope, know that all things work for salvation to those who love God. Bonds and trials often serve that end, just as the death of Christ was the salvation of the world, though it appeared the greatest defeat.
Persevere in prayer, not with dullness of hearing, but with a fervent spirit. The weight of these many years of affliction might make the soul sluggish, but recall that even the heaviness of Epaphroditus was lifted by the love of the brethren. So too, the Holy Spirit can intervene and bring you a season of peace, perhaps contrary to hope. And do not forget your own salvation, nor that of your father and brother: preach the Cross to them by your patience and your life. The common salvation is offered to all. Let none of you harden your hearts, but let the dreadful call of the Deacon echo in your ears: “The holy things for the holy.” Repent, draw near to Christ, and receive the medicine of immortality. For if even those who have come to the very gates of hell can recover and lay hold on eternal life, how much more you who still cry out to the Lord? He is able to restore health, to rebuke the enemy, to order your circumstances, and to pour grace into every wounded place. Only cling to Him, and He will not forsake you.
