Letter 18

To Neoptolemus. When I look at the divine law that calls husband and wife joined in marriage one flesh, I hardly know how to comfort a limb that has been severed — the pain of it is too great. But when I look at the course of nature, and the law the Creator laid down in the words "Dust you are, and to dust you shall return," and at everything that happens daily throughout the world on land and sea — husbands dying before wives, wives before husbands — I find in these reflections many grounds for consolation. Above all, I find them in the hopes our Lord and Savior has given us. The entire purpose of the mystery of the incarnation was that we, having been taught that death is defeated, should no longer grieve beyond measure for those we lose to it, but should await the longed-for fulfillment of the hope of the resurrection. I urge your Excellency to hold these things in mind and to overcome the pain of your grief — all the more so because the children of your shared love are with you and give you every reason to look forward. Let us praise him who governs our lives with wisdom, and not provoke him by excessive lamentation. In his wisdom he knows what is good for us, and in his mercy he gives it.

Letter 18 Please help support the mission of New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more — all for only $19.99... To Neoptolemus. Whenever I cast my eyes on the divine law which calls those who are joined together in marriage one flesh, I am at a loss how to comfort the limb that has been sundered, because I take account of the greatness of the pang. But when I consider the course of nature, and the law which the Creator has laid down in the words Dust you are and to dust you shall return, and all that goes on daily in all the world on land and sea — for either husbands first approach the end of life or this lot first befalls the wives — I find from these reflections many grounds of consolation; and above all the hopes that have been given us by our Lord and Saviour. For the reason of the accomplishment of the mystery of the incarnation was that we, being taught the defeat of death, should no more grieve beyond measure at the loss by death of those we love, but await the longed-for fulfilment of the hope of the resurrection. I entreat your Excellency to reflect on these things, and to overcome the pain of your grief; and all the more because the children of your common love are with you, and give you every ground of comfort. Let us then praise Him who governs our lives wisely, nor rouse His anger by immoderate lamentation, for in His wisdom He knows what is good for us, and in His mercy He gives it.