On Consolation
XLIV. On Consolation
1. God consoles the sinner
when He reminds him of the suffering
He chose to undergo for the love of him.
2. I, however, cannot be consoled,
because I see so many people
in <this> world inflict such great dishonour upon God.
3. Who can refrain from weeping
when he sees that God is loved so little
by those He wished to honour so much?
4. Each day I remain downcast,
since I see so many sinful people
who are proceeding towards everlasting fire.
5. Whoever draws consolation from a worthy lord,
a lord dishonoured by his own subjects,
knows not in what consists love’s strength.
6. God consoles one by means of love,
hope and forgiveness,
and He consoles one by means of gifts.
7. Patience and compassion,
justice and faithfulness
console someone who is vexed.
8. Should whoever thinks himself loved by God
become downcast,
he is not content with God alone.
9. Of what concern is it to whoever has placed God in his heart
whether he lose anything,
since God suffices for all that exists?
10. He who persists in his sin
does not deserve to be consoled
and is abandoned by God.