Although geografical distances have seperated us, and we live in body far from you, yet with the help of God's power, let us preserve this love for you most zealously. And you ought to show it not only towards us, but also towards your brethren end sons, with your deep paternal and fraternal feelings. For how should this not need to be done most earnestly, when its perfection lies also not so much in the love of brethren and sons as in the love of one's enemies?
Wherefore, my dearest friend, let us love our brethren who are nound to us by the duty of pastoral care. But let us also join to us with out affection our very adversaties, according to the Lord's commandment: ' Let us follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord'. Let us find time for holy works, let us abound with virtues, and let the breastplate of Judgement gleam on our breast, in conjunction with the action of the upper garment. Let us go forward thus in the sight of God and of all of Israel, let us provide such examples to the flock entrusted to us, 'so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven/.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 447
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