To Rusticiana the Patrician, on Her Vow to Visit the Holy Places

Gregory to Rusticiana, and so on. [a]

When I received your excellency’s letter, I was relieved by the welcome news that you are well, and I hope that the Lord in his mercy will protect and guide your life and doings. But I wondered greatly why you have turned from your intention and your vow to do a good work in the journey you had planned to the holy places. For when anything good is conceived in the heart by the gift of the Creator, it must be carried out with quick devotion. Otherwise, while the cunning plotter is trying to ensnare the soul, he may afterward suggest obstacles to it, so that the mind, weakened by its occupations, fails to carry out its desires. So your excellency must get ahead of every obstacle that comes in the way of devout plans, and pant after the fruit of good work with all the effort of your heart, so that you may succeed in living peacefully in the present world and in gaining possession of a heavenly kingdom in the world to come. [b]

As for what you wrote to us, that Passivus has tried to spread slanders against you, consider on the other hand that the most pious emperors have not only refused to listen to them but have also given their author a rough reception. Turn the whole hope of your soul to him who powerfully keeps men in this world from doing as much harm as they long to do, so that he may beat back the wicked intentions of men by the opposition of his arm, and himself mercifully shatter their attempts, as he is accustomed to do. I ask that the glorious lord Appio and the lady Eusebia, and the lord Eudoxius and the lady Gregoria, be greeted in my name through you.