Require a Sound and Calm Heart

In sickness and,

in general, during bodily infirmity,

as well as in affliction,

a man cannot in the beginning burn with faith and love for God,

because in affliction and sickness

the heart aches,

whilst faith and love

require a sound heart,

a calm heart.

This is why we must not very much grieve

if during sickness and affliction we cannot believe in God,

love Him, and pray to Him fervently as we ought to.

Everything has its proper time.

There may be an unfavourable time even for praying.

~ St John of Kronstadt