Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 727

Gregory to all the bishops of Sicily. Above the afflictions and groans which we here sustain by the yearly continuation of the enemy, a greater fear torments us, because we know that our enemies hasten with every effort to the invasion of Sicily. But lest the multitude of our sins afford them prosperity as they contrive these things, let us with our whole heart betake ourselves to the remedies of our Redeemer, and let us meet with tears those whom we cannot resist by strength. For what you must beware of, or what is to be more vehemently dreaded, you ought to gather from the desolation of that province.

Therefore I exhort you, dearest brothers, that every week, on the fourth and sixth day, you inexcusably proclaim a litany, and against the assaults of barbaric cruelty implore the aid of heavenly protection. But that you may make a way for your prayers to the ears of God, you must strive more vigilantly that your voices be aided by your deeds; for prayer is made empty where the action is wicked. Since therefore the more immense a peril you perceive to be imminent, so much the more ought you all at once to be occupied in weeping and groaning, restrain your sons as soon as possible, by priestly exhortation, from worldly perversity.

Let them learn to despise unjust things, and to love the things that are pleasing to God, that you may be able to have them as helpers for obtaining the grace of divine mercy; lest, if you neglect this, their action deprive your prayers of their supplications, and the sword of the raging enemy—which God forbid—cut off those whom the words of the one admonishing do not correct. But our God is just and merciful, and as He is severe toward those persevering in wickedness, so is He merciful toward the converted. Let us therefore run to Him with the whole mind, in the wailing of a contrite heart; from Him let us ask the consolations of our deliverance. Who, since He is kind and gentle, if He sees us amended from our evils and loving His commandments, is both mighty here to defend us from the enemy, and to prepare for us in the future eternal joys.

(Cf. John the Deacon, Book IV, chapter 53.)