To Eugraphia, in Her Grief

There is no need for me to bring spiritual charms to bear on your grief once more. The mere mention of the sufferings that brought about our salvation is enough to quench distress, even at its worst. Those sufferings were all undergone for humankind. Our Lord did not destroy death in order to make one body victorious over death, but to bring about our common resurrection through that one body, and to make our hope of it sure and certain. And if, even while our holy celebrations are bringing you refreshment of soul in many ways, you cannot overcome your sense of sorrow, then let me ask you, my honored friend, to read the very words of the marriage contract that follow the mention of the dowry, and to see how the wedding is preceded by a reminder of death. Since we know that human beings are mortal, and since we think of the peace of those who survive, it is the custom to set down what are called conditions, and no one hesitates to mention death before being joined in marriage. These are the plain words: “If the husband dies first, it is agreed that such and such be done; if this lot falls first to the wife, such and such.” We knew all this before the wedding. We are waiting for it, so to speak, every day. Why, then, take it hard? The union must be broken either by the death of the husband or by the departure of the wife. Such is the course of life. You know, my excellent friend, both the will of God and human nature. So drive away your despondency, and wait for the fulfillment of the common hope of the righteous. [a]