THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
His father refused to allow him to depart, explaining, “My son cannot accompany you.” He provides a rationale, as if to defend his decision before his children: “For his brother has passed away, leaving him alone; if any misfortune were to befall him, in his tender age, on the journey, you would bring my gray hair down to the grave in anguish. I am concerned for his youthful vulnerability; I dread the loss of this solace as well, which would lead me to end my days in sorrow. Yet, while he is with me, I possess a measure of comfort; his presence alleviates my mourning for his brother. Thus, the deep affection for Benjamin hinders his father from allowing him to leave.