Letter 12014

Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)Unknown|gregory great
From: Gregory the Great, Pope, in Rome
To: Azimarcus, scribo [court secretary in Sicily]
Date: ~602 AD
Context: Gregory encourages Azimarcus, who has survived a maritime danger, to give thanks and direct himself toward heavenly mercy.

Gregory to Azimarcus, scribo.

I have heard that you were rescued from a maritime danger — that you came very close to death at sea and were delivered. This is a moment to be marked and reflected on.

Near-death experiences have a way of clarifying what matters. The things that seemed important before the storm may look different in the storm's aftermath. What I encourage you to do with this experience is to let it do its work: to let the awareness of your own fragility and God's mercy shape how you live going forward.

You were given more time. Use it well.
Gregory

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.