THEOSISGregory the Great
The righteous individual, aware that the divine gift of reason surpasses mere external blessings, inquires: Did I not weep for those who suffer? Did my spirit not mourn for the destitute? While he tended to the needs of others, he did not seek personal gain. However, the one who grieves deeply and shows mercy to his neighbor offers a piece of himself. This is why we assert that compassion surpasses mere giving: for someone who lacks empathy may offer something, yet a truly compassionate person will never deny his neighbor's needs. When I hoped for good, calamity struck; when I looked for illumination, only shadows emerged.
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The faithful anticipate goodness, but often face trials; they yearn for light, yet encounter darkness, as through the grace of divine reward, humanity aspires to connect with heavenly bliss. However, when delayed for a long period, one must endure the afflictions brought by adversaries: those eager to revel in the blessings of heavenly light must withstand the trials imposed by their persecutors. This suffering would be less severe if one were allied with nonbelievers or adversaries. Nevertheless, the anguish of the faithful is intensified, as it arises from those from whom they had hoped for goodness.