169. К Венерию, епископу медиоланскому

Everyone knew your courage, directness and freedom of speech in defense of the truth before; but the present time has more clearly shown in you your brotherly love, love, vigilant attentiveness, living sympathy and solicitude in relation to the situation of the churches. The helmsman is especially exposed to the storm at sea; the best doctor - severe bodily ailments; as well as a highly valiant man who devoted his life to reverence - a difficult time. This is how it came true for you, and everything was done on your part to correct the existing state of affairs, without the slightest omission. But since those who have caused and are causing the hitherto existing turmoil have reached such madness that they are not only not ashamed of their previous actions, but are struggling with new strength in the same field, then I ask all of you to generally strengthen your care, and over time not only not to weaken your zeal, but to increase it more and more, no matter how many new difficulties arise. The more labor and effort required to perform any valiant and great deeds, the more it deserves a reward compared to performing the same deeds easily and conveniently. “Everyone,” says blessed Paul, “will receive his reward according to his own labor” (1 Cor. 3:8). The multitude of labors, therefore, should not cool you; on the contrary, it should excite you, because the more temptations increase, the more the crowns will increase and the rewards prepared for you for these good deeds will increase. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us. – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” You might be interested in: