Basil of Caesarea
4th century · AD 379 · Eastern & Byzantine · 715 passages
Bishop, monastic founder, and preacher on creation; he built hospitals and taught that care for the poor is inseparable from faith.
Background on Basil of Caesarea
In his own words on Habakkuk
- Habakkuk 2:2-3
You are perhaps distressed that you are driven outside the walls, but you shall dwell under the protection of the God of heaven. The angel who watches over the church has gone out with you. So they lie down in empty places day by day, bringing upon themselves heavy judgment as seen in the dispersion of the people. And, if in all this there is sorrow to be borne, I trust in the Lord that it will not be without its use to you. Therefore, the more have been your trials, look for a more perfect reward from your last judge. Do not take your present troubles ill. Do not lose hope. Yet a little while and your helper will come to you and will not tarry.
LETTER 238
Quoted verbatim from public-domain English translations of the fathers — Aquinas's Catena Aurea, the Ante-Nicene and Nicene & Post-Nicene Fathers, and related editions. Each quotation links to its source.