Chrysostom
Beloved Warrior
The lump that pains you and the fear that grips your heart, these are not sent without purpose. Do not despise the galling of the soul that such a threat brings, for this very pain can become a cure, bracing up your soul, making you more reverent, and casting out the desires that so mischievously beset us. It elevates the mind to cling to Christ alone. Yet I know the heart throbs and trembles; the more the dread of such a thing looms, the more we shrink through fear. But it is necessary to feel this, lest we fall into a far greater peril and find ourselves naked of all defence.
Do not say, "What need have I of the prayers of others? I pray myself." Never, O man, say this. There is need, aye, and need of much prayer. Though you become as Paul, you have need of the Church’s prayer. Do not exalt yourself, lest you be humbled. When the body held the Lord in the grave, Death itself travailed in pain, was racked in sunder, and could not hold Him. That prison was burst, the gates of brass were broken, and the keepers of hell-gate all cowered in fear. The same Lord who loosed those pains hears your cry. Fear not, then, because there is injurious dealing from sickness, as from an enemy. For even so shall you shine forth and get the better of it, if you are mixed with Him in prayer, as leaven hidden in the meal.
Christ often resorted to the garden with His disciples, seeking a place free from disturbance, that attention might not be distracted from necessary matters. Go you into your chamber, into that quiet garden of the heart, and there speak plainly. May He who ministers seed to the sower both supply and multiply your seed. Let this terrifying report not produce in you the thorns of worldly care that choke the word, but rather a harvest of hope. The day calls you to stand firm, yet it is no heavy toil. For you fight with arms of light, and the power of the Commander is great. Your prayer, joined to the prayers of the saints, is a strong defence.
Do not say, "What need have I of the prayers of others? I pray myself." Never, O man, say this. There is need, aye, and need of much prayer. Though you become as Paul, you have need of the Church’s prayer. Do not exalt yourself, lest you be humbled. When the body held the Lord in the grave, Death itself travailed in pain, was racked in sunder, and could not hold Him. That prison was burst, the gates of brass were broken, and the keepers of hell-gate all cowered in fear. The same Lord who loosed those pains hears your cry. Fear not, then, because there is injurious dealing from sickness, as from an enemy. For even so shall you shine forth and get the better of it, if you are mixed with Him in prayer, as leaven hidden in the meal.
Christ often resorted to the garden with His disciples, seeking a place free from disturbance, that attention might not be distracted from necessary matters. Go you into your chamber, into that quiet garden of the heart, and there speak plainly. May He who ministers seed to the sower both supply and multiply your seed. Let this terrifying report not produce in you the thorns of worldly care that choke the word, but rather a harvest of hope. The day calls you to stand firm, yet it is no heavy toil. For you fight with arms of light, and the power of the Commander is great. Your prayer, joined to the prayers of the saints, is a strong defence.
