St. Gregory of Nyssa tells of visiting his sister Macrina during her final illness. He found her severely weakened. He embraced her and helped restore her to her resting position. In the encounter he records, care passed between them: the brother attended to his sister, and she remained concerned for him. Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Macrina, PG 46, 976D–980A, Gregory’s visit
After their conversation, Macrina encouraged Gregory to rest from his journey. He went to an arbor prepared nearby, though his worry for her kept him from enjoying it. The invitation is a small, particular detail in his account. Even amid the sorrow of their meeting, she noticed the tiredness of the brother who had come to see her. Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Macrina, PG 46, 976D–980A, Gregory’s visit
St. Paul calls Christians to bear one another’s burdens. The surrounding passage concerns gentleness, restoration and watchfulness about our own vulnerability. Mutual care belongs to that life together. Gregory’s story allows us to consider how such care may continue when illness changes what each person can do. Galatians 6:2
The scene must remain an account of Macrina’s particular response. It gives us no reason to require a sick person to conceal pain or attend to every visitor. Gregory himself saw how weak she was and supported her body. Respecting that detail means receiving the whole encounter: the ill person was loved and helped, even as she offered care within her own strength. Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Macrina, PG 46, 976D–980A, Gregory’s visit
A visit to someone who is ill can begin with attention to what that person actually needs. Listening, accepting their limits and offering practical help fit the mutual care Paul asks of us. Macrina’s concern for Gregory can be received as a gift, without making gifts of this kind a condition of being a faithful patient. The story keeps affection present in a meeting shadowed by real weakness. Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Macrina, PG 46, 976D–980A, Gregory’s visit
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Gregory of Nyssa, Life of Macrina. W. K. Lowther Clarke, The Life of St. Macrina, London: SPCK, 1916; title page verified at https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/gregory_macrina_0_intro.htm. Hosted PG column markers identify passage locations; printed comparison pending.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.