There is no one in this world who is not a stranger [peregrinus], although notall want to return to the homeland. On our journey we face waves and storms, so we have at least to be in the boat. For if there are dangers when in the boat, outside the boat is certain death. A swimmer in the sea may have very strong arms, but he is sometimes overcome by a great wave, engulfed and drowned. So we have to be in the boat, that is, we have to be borne on wood so that we can cross this sea. And the wood on which our weakness is borne is the cross of the Lord in which we are signed and by which we are saved from drowning in this world. We face waves, yes, but the one who helps us is God. (Augustine, Sermon 75, 2; PL 38, 475)