60 (45). To Gregory, His Uncle
LETTERS
60. To Gregory, His Uncle!
I have always been glad to see my brother. In fact, why should I not, since he is my brother, and such a one? And at the present visit I have received him with the same affection, and have not in any way altered my love. God forbid that any such thing should happen as would make me forgetful of the ties of nature and hostile toward my relatives. On the contrary, I have deemed his presence a consolation in my physical infirmities and various spiritual sufferings. I also rejoiced much at receiving the letter which he brought from your Honor. For a considerable time I have been longing to hear from you, for no other reason than that we, too, might not add to our lives any sad tale of a mutual disagreement between the nearest of kin. This would indeed be a cause of pleasure to our enemies, but a misfortune to our friends, and it would displease God who has set up perfect love as a distinguishing mark of His disciples. Therefore,
I am compelled to speak again, urging you to pray for us and to care for us in all things as your kinsman.
Since we ourselves are not able in our stupidity to understand the meaning of what is happening, we have decided to hold that as true which you have deigned to explain to us.
But your Lordship 2 also must determine further appointments: our interview with each other, a suitable time, and a convenient place. If, then, your Dignity is actually willing to descend to our Lowliness and to exchange speech with us, whether you wish the conference to be in the presence of others or in private, we shall comply, since we have resolved upon this once and for all-to serve you in love,
I Of the same subject matter and date as the preceding.
2 Megalonoeas_a title of address used by St. Basil for clergy and laymen, but not cited for other authors.