the love of a brother
Cassian, Conference 16, chapter 6
In John Cassian’s sixteenth conference, Abbot Joseph speaks about friendship among ascetics. He places love of a brother above attachment to possessions and asks each person to prune self-will. The teaching addresses the rivalries that can grow around preferences, opinions and things retained for ordinary use. Cassian, Conference 16, chapter 6
Joseph also requires attention to another person’s anger, including anger that seems unreasonable. The concern is to seek its healing rather than remain satisfied that the other person alone is at fault. His counsel makes peace a responsibility shared through patient effort, without promising that every dispute will be resolved. Cassian, Conference 16, chapter 6
Paul asks the Philippians to refuse selfish ambition and conceit, look to others’ interests and act with humility. These commands address the purpose beneath a disagreement. Being concerned for another person’s good can change how tightly we insist upon a preference of our own. Philippians 2:1-4
The source’s monastic setting and its concern about self-will must remain visible. It does not authorize surrendering the Church’s faith simply to avoid an argument. A personal preference, a piece of property and a truth received from God are not interchangeable. The application concerns the preferences we can responsibly yield for a neighbor’s good. Cassian, Conference 16, chapter 6
When a friendship is strained, ask whether the disputed thing deserves the weight you have given it. Consider what humble, truthful action might lessen hostility, while preserving necessary responsibilities. Joseph’s counsel directs attention to the brother; Paul requires care for the other person’s interests. Winning a preference need not become the governing aim. Cassian, Conference 16, chapter 6
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Cassian, Conference 16. Source. Translated by C.S. Gibson. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 11. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1894.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/350816.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.