The waves are many and the surging sea dangerous. But we are not afraid that we may be drowned, for we are standing on the rock. Let the sea rage as it will, it cannot split the rock asunder. Though the waves tower on high, they cannot overwhelm the boat of Jesus. What, pray, are we afraid of? Death? For me, life is Christ and death is gain. But tell me, is it exile? The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains. Is it the loss of property? We brought nothing into the world. It is certain we can take nothing out of it. The terrors of the world I despise; its treasures I deem laughable. I am not afraid of poverty, I do not long for wealth. I do not dread death.
– St. John Chrysostom
