In his funeral oration for St. Basil, St. Gregory the Theologian describes sick people being driven from homes and ordinary society. Their illness had become a reason for others to despise them. Gregory remembers Basil approaching these sufferers, receiving them as brothers and leading others toward practical care. His account places the dignity of the person at the center of that service. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 43.63–64
Gregory’s witness matters because he remembers presence as well as provision. Basil did not keep compassion at the distance of an admirable idea. He led the way in tending people whom others avoided. The oration praises this as imitation of Christ through deeds. These are Gregory’s words about Basil, rather than a surviving instruction written by Basil himself. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 43.63–64
Christ’s teaching about the judgment includes visiting the sick and recognizes service to the least of His brethren as service to Him. The passage calls us to see the person who needs care in relation to Christ. It gives the scriptural foundation for contemplating Basil’s response to people who had been shunned. Matthew 25:35-40
The example can begin to shape our conduct in the way we address someone who is ill. The person remains a brother or sister to be treated with respect. Help may include a visit, a message or practical provision appropriate to the circumstances. The form of care should account for actual needs and sound health guidance; Gregory’s narrative is a witness to mercy, not a medical protocol. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 43.63–64
Basil’s remembered care also challenges the habit of making suffering a reason to withdraw human regard. Gregory says he taught through his approach. We can let that example ask whether our words and actions preserve another person’s dignity. Christ’s command directs us toward care; Basil’s witness gives us a life in which that care became visible. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 43.63–64
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 43. Translated by Charles Gordon Browne and James Edward Swallow. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 7. 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/310243.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.