After certain days, Jesus passed near to a city of the Samaritans. There, they did not let him enter the city, nor did they sell bread to his disciples. Wherefore, said James and John, "Master, may it please you that we pray God to send down fire from heaven upon these people?" Jesus answered, "Tell me, have you created this city with this people? Assuredly, no. For if all creatures united, they could not create a single new fly from nothing. If the blessed God who has created this city now sustains it, why you desire to destroy it? Why did you not say, 'May it please you, master, that we pray to the Lord our God that this people may be converted to penitence?' Assuredly, the proper act of a disciple of mine is to pray to God for those who do evil.

Tell me, O man, who is your enemy? Indeed, it is your body and everyone who praises you. Therefore, if you were of sane mind, you would kiss the hand of those who revile you, and present gifts to those who persecute you and strike you much. Because the more that for your sins you are reviled and persecuted in this life, the less you will be hounded in the Day of Judgment.

Surely, not a leaf stirs without the will of God. Wherefore, when you are in tribulation, do not think of how much you have borne or of him who afflicts you; but consider how much for your sins you are worthy to receive at the hand of the devils of hell."