ACC ~ Philippians 1 v23

MY DESIRE IS TO DEPART. ORIGEN: In expressing such a desire he knew that when he returns to Christ he will know more plainly the causes of all that is happening on earth. He will then know more of what constitutes his own humanity, his soul, his mind, his spirit. He will then know more of what the Spirit is enabling and what grace it is that is being given to those who are faithful in the Holy Spirit. ON FIRST PRINCIPLES 2.11.5.

ACCEPTING DEATH WITH EQUANIMITY. TERTULLIAN: Impatience is a bad omen for our hope. It puts our faith in doubt. We wound Christ when we do not accept with equanimity his calling people away, treating them as though they were to be pitied. “I long,” says the apostle, “to be taken up and be with Christ.” How much better is the wish that he expresses! ON PATIENCE 9.4-5.

BETTER TO BE WITH CHRIST. AMBROSE: From him we come, by his own power we are created, and to him we return. “So it is much better to be with Christ.” N ABRAHAM 2.5.22.

DEPARTURE AS REST FOR THE SOUL. AMBROSE: What does this departure mean but the dissolution and torpor of the body, while the soul for its part is turned toward its rest and made free, if it be faithful, “to be with Christ”? ON THE BENEFIT OF DEATH 3.8.

Phil