To Theodorus the Vicar, at the Feast

The custom of the feast tells me to write a festal letter, but the cloud of our calamities does not let me gather its usual happy fruit. Who is so stony-hearted as not to be shaken and frightened at the anger and grief of the Lord? Who is not stirred to remember his faults? Who does not expect the righteous sentence? All this dims the brightness of the feast. [a]

But the Lord is full of loving-kindness, and we trust that he will not actually carry out his threats, but will look on us with mercy, scatter our sadness, open the springs of mercy, and show his usual patience. I greet your greatness, and beg you to send me news of the good health I sincerely trust you are enjoying.