I often reflect on my memories of Octavius, my dear and loyal friend. I remember his charm and sweetness so vividly that it seems that I’m actually journeying back in time-rather than simply reminiscing about events that have long since passed. Although I can no longer actually see him with my eyes, a vivid picture of him is deeply etched into my heart. It’s no wonder that I’ve missed this remarkable and holy man so much since he departed this life.
He radiated a deep love for me at all times, during both work and play. The things I loved, he loved. The things I disliked, he disliked. You would have thought that our two bodies shared but one mind. He was my confidant in my loves, my pillar of support in my mistakes.
And when I climbed out of the gloomy abyss of spiritual darkness into the light of wisdom and truth, he did not cast me aside. Rather, he also turned to the way of truth- and even outstripped me in his spiritual walk. For that reason, when I was recently musing over the events during our many years of intimacy and friendship, I reflected at length on our time together at the seaside resort of Ostia. It was there that, through his skilled argumentation, he converted my companion Caecilius from pagan superstitions to the true religion.
Yes, I still remember that occasion vividly. It has been a long while since Octavius and I had seen each other. But then, along came some business for Octavius to attend to in Rome, which provided a good excuse for him to come and visit me. However, to do so meant being away from his wife, children, and home. This was particularly difficult for him, since one of his children was still a toddler. I know how hard it is to be away from your children during their innocent years, when they bubble our incomplete words in the precious language of their own. Its a language made more endearing by its own imperfections.
As his visit was unexpected, I was overwhelmed with joy when he arrived in Rome. We spend several days just basking in each other’s presence, enjoying mutual friendship. First, we caught up on all that had happened in our lives since we had seen each other. Then we decided to journey to the pleasant coastal town of Ostia so I could enjoy the healthful benefits of bathing in the refreshing waters of the sea. Since it was harvest time for the vineyards, the courts we in recess. So we left immediately, and Caecilius came with us.
After arriving in Ostia, we got up early the first morning and began walking towards the beach. We deeply inhaled the invigorating sea air as we walked, so that its healthful benefits would refresh every joint and limb or our bodies. We smiled with delight as we thought about sinking our feet in the soft sand.
As we walked along, I noticed a gleaming white marble image of the God Serapis. Suddenly, Caecilius turned to the image, raised his hand to his mouth, and threw a kiss to it. ( This is something the superstitious common people customarily do). Although I was a bit embarrassed by his gesture, I said nothing.
To be continued on this blog…