On Prayer 17.1

It is no wonder if, of all who receive the bodies, so to speak, that produce such shadows, the same shadow is not given to all alike, but to some alike. For to those who study the problems of sundials and the relation of shadows to the illuminating body, it is clearly shown that this happens also with bodies: for some, at a certain time, the pointers cast no shadow, for others, so to speak, short shadows, and for others longer shadows than for others. It is no great matter, then, if, since the intention of the giver grants the principal gifts according to certain secret and mystical proportions, fitting for those who receive them and for the times when the principal gifts are given, sometimes no shadows at all follow for the recipients, sometimes not for all but for a few, sometimes smaller in comparison with others, while greater follow for others. Just as, then, the presence or absence of the shadow of bodies neither pleases nor grieves one who seeks the sun's rays, since he has what is most necessary once he is illuminated, whether he is without shadow or has more or less of it; so, if spiritual things are present to us and we are illuminated by God for the complete possession of the true goods, we shall not quibble about the paltry matter of the shadow. For all material and bodily things, whatever they may be, have the character of a feeble and powerless shadow, and can in no way be compared with the saving and holy gifts of the God of all. For what comparison is there between bodily wealth and wealth “in all speech and all” wisdom? And who, unless mad, would compare health of flesh and bones with a healthy mind, a strong soul, and well-proportioned thoughts? When all these are ordered by the Word of God, bodily sufferings make only a trifling scratch, or whatever we think smaller than a scratch.