Letter 1046: The divine precepts admonish us to love our neighbours as ourselves; and, seeing that we are enjoined to love them with this charity, how much more ought we to succour them by supplies to their carnal needs, that we may relieve their distress, if not in all respects, yet at least with some support. Inasmuch, then, as we have found that the son o...
Book I, Letter 46
To Peter the Subdeacon [Gregory's delegate in Sicily].
Gregory to Peter.
God's commands teach us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Since we are called to love them with this charity, how much more should we help them with material support to relieve their distress, if not fully, then at least in part.
We have learned that the son of the most worthy Godiscalchus is suffering not only from the loss of his sight but also from lack of food. We therefore consider it necessary to provide for him. By this order, we direct you to supply him annually with twenty-four modii [large measures] of wheat, twelve modii of beans, and twenty decimates [measures] of wine, for his sustenance. These may be charged to your accounts afterward. Act promptly, so that the bearer of this letter experiences no delay in receiving the Lord's provision, and so that you may share in the merit of this well-administered gift.
Human translation - New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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