Tue Jul 13, 2010
Something to Consider
“The greatest truths are the simplest, and so are the greatest men.”
[Inspired by St. Anthony the Great]
[0] comments (58 views)
Thu Jul 01, 2010
True Friendship
Though you should name infinite treasures, none of them is comparable to a genuine friend. And first let us speak of the great delight of friendship itself. A friend rejoices at seeing his friend, and expands with joy. He is knit to him with a union of soul that affords unspeakable pleasure. And if he only calls him to remembrance, he is roused in mind, and transported.
I speak of genuine friends, men of one soul, who would even die for each other, who love fervently. Do not, thinking of those who barely love, who are table-companions, mere nominal friends, suppose that my discourse is refuted. If any one has a friend such as I speak of, he will acknowledge the truth of my words. He, though he sees his friend every day, is not satiated. For him he prays for the same things as for himself. I know one, who calling upon holy men in behalf of his friend, besought them to pray first for him, and then for himself.
So dear a thing is a good friend, that times and places are loved on his account. For as bodies that are luminous spread their radiance to the neighboring places, so also friends leave a grace of their own in the places to which they have come. And oftentimes in the absence of friends, as we have stood on those places, we have wept, and remembering the days which we passed together, have sighed. It is not possible to represent by speech, how great a pleasure the intercourse with friends affords. But those only know, who have experience. From a friend we may both ask a favor, and receive one without suspicion. When they enjoin anything upon us, then we feel indebted to them; but when they are slow to do this, then we are sorrowful. We have nothing which is not theirs. Often despising all things here, on their account we are not willing to depart hence; and they are more longed for by us than the light.
For, in good truth, a friend is more to be longed for than the light; I speak of a genuine one. And wonder not: for it were better for us that the sun should be extinguished, than that we should be deprived of friends; better to live in darkness, than to be without friends. And I will tell you why. Because many who see the sun are in darkness, but they can never be even in tribulation, who abound in friends. I speak of spiritual friends, who prefer nothing to friendship. Such was Paul, who would willingly have given his own soul, even though not asked, nay would have plunged into hell for them. With so ardent a disposition ought we to love.
I wish to give you an example of friendship. Friends, that is, friends according to Christ, surpass fathers and sons. For tell me not of friends of the present day, since this good thing also has past away with others. But consider, in the time of the Apostles, I speak not of the chief men, but of the believers themselves generally; “all,” he says, “were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own…and distribution was made unto each, according as any one had need.” (Acts 4:32, 35.) There were then no such words as “mine” and “thine.” This is friendship, that a man should not consider his goods his own, but his neighbor’s, that his possessions belong to another; that he should be as careful of his friend’s soul as of his own; and the friend likewise.
And where is it possible, somebody says, that such a one should be found? Because we have not the will; for it is possible. If it were not possible, neither would Christ have commanded it; he would not have discoursed so much concerning love. A great thing is friendship, and how great, no one can learn, and no discourse represent, but experience itself.
He who loves does not wish to command, nor to rule, but is rather obliged when he is ruled and commanded. He wishes rather to bestow a favor than to receive one, for he loves, and is so affected, as not having satisfied his desire. He is not so much gratified when good is done to him, as when he is doing good. For he wishes to oblige, rather than to be indebted to him; or rather he wishes both to be beholden to him, and to have him his debtor. And he wishes both to bestow favors, and not to seem to bestow them, but himself to be the debtor. I think that perhaps many of you do not understand what has been said. He wishes to be the first in bestowing benefits, and not to seem to be the first, but to be returning a kindness. Which God also has done in the case of men. He purposed to give His own Son for us; but that He might not seem to bestow a favor, but to be indebted to us, He commanded Abraham to offer his son that whilst doing a great kindness, He might seem to do nothing great.
For when indeed there is no love, we both upbraid men with our kindnesses and we exaggerate little ones; but when there is love, we both conceal them and wish to make the great appear small, that we may not seem to have our friend for a debtor, but ourselves to be debtors to him, in having him our debtor. I know that the greater part do not understand what is said, and the cause is, that I am speaking of a thing which now dwells in heaven. As therefore if I were speaking of any plant growing in India, of which no one had ever had any experience, no speech would avail to represent it, though I should utter ten thousand words: so also now whatever things I say, I say in vain, for no one will be able to understand me. This is a plant that is planted in heaven, having for its branches not heavy-clustered pearls, but a virtuous life, much more acceptable than they. What pleasure would you speak of, the foul and the honorable? But that of friendship excelleth them all, though you should speak of the sweetness of honey. For that satiates, but a friend never does, so long as he is a friend; nay, the desire of him rather increases, and such pleasure never admits of satiety. And a friend is sweeter than the present life. Many therefore after the death of their friends have not wished to live any longer. With a friend one would bear even banishment; but without a friend would not choose to inhabit even his own country. With a friend even poverty is tolerable, but without him both health and riches are intolerable. He has another self: I am straitened, because I cannot instance by an example. For I should in that case make it appear that what has been said is much less than it ought to be.
And these things indeed are so here. But from God the reward of friendship is so great, that it cannot be expressed. He gives a reward, that we may love one another, the thing for which we owe a reward. “Pray,” He says, “and receive a reward,” for that for which we owe a reward, because we ask for good things. “For that which you ask,” He says, “receive a reward. Fast, and receive a reward. Be virtuous, and receive a reward,” though you rather owe a reward. But as fathers, when they have made their children virtuous, then further give them a reward; for they are debtors, because they have afforded them a pleasure; so also God acts. “Receive a reward,” He says, “if thou be virtuous, for thou delightest thy Father, and for this I owe thee a reward. But if thou be evil, not so: for thou provokest Him that begot thee.” Let us not then provoke God, but let us delight Him, that we may obtain the kingdom of Heaven, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be the glory and the strength, world without end. Amen.
[St. John Chrysostom, Homily 2 on 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10.]
[0] comments (79 views)
Tue Jun 29, 2010
A Reminder of God’s Love for Us
“Not only is it wonderful that He forgives us our sins, but also that He neither uncovers them nor does He make them stand forth clearly revealed. Nor does He force us to come forward and publicly proclaim our misdeeds, but He bids us to make our defence to Him alone and to confess our sins to Him. And yet, if any judge of a worldly tribunal were to tell some captured highwayman or grave robber to confess his crime and be excused from paying the penalty, this prisoner would with all alacrity admit the truth and scorn the disgrace in his desire to go free. But this is not the case in baptism. God forgives our sins and does not force us to make a parade of them in the presence of others. He seeks one thing only: that he who benefits by the forgiveness learns the greatness of the gift.”
(St. John Chrysostom, Baptismal Instructions)
“Thou dost not so much desire thy sins to be forgiven, as He desires to forgive thee thy sins. In proof that thou dost not so desire it, consider that thou hast no mind either to practice vigils, or to give thy money freely: but He, that He might forgive our sins, spared not His Only-Begotten and True Son, the partner of His throne.”
(St. John Chrysostom)
[0] comments (68 views)
Tue Jun 22, 2010
Serving the Lord
“Take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare” (Luke 21:34).
[0] comments (67 views)
Fri Jun 11, 2010
From Concerning the Statues, Excerpts from Homily III
I speak not, indeed, of such a fast as most persons keep, but of real fasting; not merely an abstinence from meats; but from sins too. For the nature of a fast is such, that it does not suffice to deliver those who practice it, unless it be done according to a suitable law. "For the wrestler," it is said, "is not crowned unless he strive lawfully." To the end then, that when we have gone through the labour of fasting, we forfeit not the crown of fasting, we should understand how, and after what manner, it is necessary to conduct this business; since that Pharisee also fasted, but afterwards when down empty, and destitute of the fruit of fasting. The Publican fasted not; and yet he was accepted in preference to him who had fasted; in order that thou mayest learn that fasting is unprofitable, except all other duties follow with it. The Ninevites fasted, and won the favour of God. The Jews fasted too, and profited nothing, nay they departed with blame. Since then the danger in fasting is so great to those who do not know how they ought to fast, we should learn the laws of this exercise, in order that we may not "run uncertainly," nor "beat the air," nor while we are fighting contend with a shadow. Fasting is a medicine; but a medicine, though it be never so profitable, becomes frequently useless owing to the unskillfulness of him who employs it. For it is necessary to know, moreover, the time when it should be applied, and the requisite quantity of it; and the temperament of body that admits it; and the nature of the country, and the season of the year; and the corresponding diet; as well as varous other particulars; any of which, if one overlooks, he will mar all the rest that have been named. Now if, when the body needs healing, such exactness is required on our part, much more ought we, when our care is about the soul, and we seek to heal the distempers of the mind, to look, and to search into every particular with the utmost accuracy.
I have said these things, not that we may disparage fasting, but that we may honour fasting; for the honour of fasting consists not in abstinence from food, but in withdrawing from sinful practices; since he who limits his fasting only to an abstinence from meats, is one who especially disparages it. Dost thou fast? Give me proof of it by thy works! Is it said by what kind of works? If thou seest a poor man, take pity on him! If thou seest an enemy, be reconciled to him! If thou seest a friend gaining honour, envy him not! If thou seest a handsome woman, pass her by! For let not the mouth only fast, but also the eye, and ear, and the feet, and the hands, and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being pure from rapine and avarice. Let the feet fast, but ceasing from running to the unlawful spectacles. Let the eyes fast, being taught never to fix themselves rudely upon handsome countenances, or to busy themselves with strange beauties. For looking is the food of the eyes, but if this be such as is unlawful or forbidden, it mars the fast; and upsets the whole safety of the soul; but if it be lawful and safe, it adorns fasting. For it would be among things the most absurd to abstain from lawful food because of the fast, but with the eyes to touch even what is forbidden. Dost thou not eat flesh? Feed not upon lasciviousness by means of the eyes. Let the ear fast also. The fasting of the ear consists in refusing to receive evil speakings and calumnies. "Thou shalt not receive a false report," it says.
[St. John Chrysostom, From "The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church," Volume 9.]
[0] comments (97 views)
St. John Chrysostom "On Fasting"
Fasting is a medicine. But medicine, as beneficial as it is, becomes useless because of the inexperience of the user. He has to know the appropriate time that the medicine should be taken and the right amount of medicine and the condition of the body which is to take it, the weather conditions and the season of the year and the appropriate diet of the sick and many other things. If any of these things are overlooked, the medicine will do more harm than good. So, if one who is going to heal the body needs so much accuracy, when we care for the soul and are concerned about healing it from bad thoughts, it is necessary to examine and observe everything with every possible detail.
Fasting is the change of every part of our life, because the sacrifice of the fast is not the abstinence but the distancing from sins. Therefore, whoever limits the fast to the deprivation of food, he is the one who, in reality, abhors and ridicules the fast. Are you fasting? Show me your fast with your works. Which works? If you see someone who is poor, show him mercy. If you see an enemy, reconcile with him. If you see a friend who is becoming successful, do not be jealous of him! If you see a beautiful woman on the street, pass her by.
In other words, not only should the mouth fast, but the eyes and the legs and the arms and all the other parts of the body should fast as well. Let the hands fast, remaining clean from stealing and greediness. Let the legs fast, avoiding roads which lead to sinful sights. Let the eyes fast by not fixing themselves on beautiful faces and by not observing the beauty of others. You are not eating meat, are you? You should not eat debauchery with your eyes as well. Let your hearing also fast. The fast of hearing is not to accept bad talk against others and sly defamations.
Let the mouth fast from disgraceful and abusive words, because, what gain is there when, on the one hand we avoid eating chicken and fish and, on the other, we chew-up and consume our brothers? He who condemns and blasphemes is as if he has eaten brotherly meat, as if he has bitten into the flesh of his fellow man. It is because of this that Paul frightened us, saying: "If you chew up and consume one another be careful that you do not annihilate yourselves."
You did not thrust your teeth into the flesh (of your neighbor) but you thrusted bad talk in his soul; you wounded it by spreading disfame, causing unestimatable damage both to yourself, to him, and to many others.
If you cannot go without eating all day because of an ailment of the body, beloved one, no logical man will be able to criticize you for that. Besides, we have a Lord who is meek and loving (philanthropic) and who does not ask for anything beyond our power. Because he neither requires the abstinence from foods, neither that the fast take place for the simple sake of fasting, neither is its aim that we remain with empty stomachs, but that we fast to offer our entire selves to the dedication of spiritual things, having distanced ourselves from secular things. If we regulated our life with a sober mind and directed all of our interest toward spiritual things, and if we ate as much as we needed to satisfy our necessary needs and offered our entire lives to good works, we would not have any need of the help rendered by the fast. But because human nature is indifferent and gives itself over mostly to comforts and gratifications, for this reason the philanthropic Lord, like a loving and caring father, devised the therapy of the fast for us, so that our gratifications would be completely stopped and that our worldly cares be transferred to spiritual works. So, if there are some who have gathered here and who are hindered by somatic ailments and cannot remain without food, I advise them to nullify the somatic ailment and not to deprive themselves from this spiritual teaching, but to care for it even more.
For there exist, there really exist, ways which are even more important than abstinence from food which can open the gates which lead to God with boldness. He, therefore, who eats and cannot fast, let him display richer almsgiving, let him pray more, let him have a more intense desire to hear divine words. In this, our somatic illness is not a hindrance. Let him become reconciled with his enemies, let him distance from his soul every resentment. If he wants to accomplish these things, then he has done the true fast, which is what the Lord asks of us more than anything else. It is for this reason that he asks us to abstain from food, in order to place the flesh in subjection to the fulfillment of his commandments, whereby curbing its impetuousness. But if we are not about to offer to ourselves the help rendered by the fast because of bodily illness and at the same time display greater indifference, we will see ourselves in an unusual exaggerated way. For if the fast does not help us when all the aforementioned accomplishments are missing so much is the case when we display greater indifference because we cannot even use the medicine of fasting. Since you have learned these things from us, I pardon you, those who can, fast and you yourselves increase your acuteness and praiseworthy desire as much as possible.
To the brothers, though, who cannot fast because of bodily illness, encourage them not to abandon this spiritual word, teaching them and passing on to them all the things we say here, showing them that he who eats and drinks with moderation is not unworthy to hear these things but he who is indifferent and slack. You should tell them the bold and daring saying that "he who eats for the glory of the Lord eats and he who does not eat for the glory of the Lord does not eat and pleases God." For he who fasts pleases God because he has the strength to endure the fatigue of the fast and he that eats also pleases God because nothing of this sort can harm the salvation of his soul, as long as he does not want it to. Because our philanthropic God showed us so many ways by which we can, if we desire, take part in God's power that it is impossible to mention them all.
We have said enough about those who are missing, being that we want to eliminate them from the excuse of shame. For they should not be ashamed because food does not bring on shame but the act of some wrongdoing. Sin is a great shame. If we commit it not only should we feel ashamed but we should cover ourselves exactly the same way those who are wounded do. Even then we should not forsake ourselves but rush to confession and thanksgiving. We have such a Lord who asks nothing of us but to confess our sins, after the commitment of a sin which was due to our indifference, and to stop at that point and not to fall into the same one again. If we eat with moderation we should never be ashamed, because the Creator gave us such a body which cannot be supported in any other way except by receiving food. Let us only stop excessive food because that attributes a great deal to the health and well-being of the body.
Let us therefore in every way cast off every destructive madness so that we may gain the goods which have been promised to us in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
[Abridged from St. John Chrysostom homilies "On Fasting"]
[0] comments (73 views)
Participation in the Divine Eucharist
Let us return from that Table like lions breathing out fire, terrifying to the devil!
Thousands of times every Sunday, throughout the world...the same readings, the same words of consecration, the same sacrifice; the Holy Spirit descends, allowing us to ascend, in spite of human inabilities and inhibitions, and to unite with all of the Children of God around the Father's dinner table for a foretaste of Heaven. My hope is that each time you go forward to experience our Lord, and partake in the eternal banquet, that you allow and invite Him to transform you in a new way...and truly live the life nourished by our daily bread.
[St. John Chrysostom]
[0] comments (85 views)
Sun Jun 06, 2010
Patristic Pearls
1. “Reading the Scriptures is a great safeguard against sin. Ignorance of the Scriptures is a precipice and a deep abyss.”
[From Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (The Sayings of the Desert Fathers; Cistercian Publications pg. 58).]
2. “Forget for at least this space of time the bustle and concerns of everyday life. Be like an angel, filled only with thoughts of God and of serving Him. After all, He is present now, and is blessing you.”
[Hieromartyr Seraphim (Zvezdinsky), Bishop of Dmitrov (1883 - c. 1937).]
[0] comments (84 views)
Spiritual Nectar
“When a thought oppresses you, do not be downhearted, but put up with it in courage, saying, ‘They swarmed around me closer and closer, but I drove them back in the name of the Lord’ (Psalm 118:11). Divine help will arrive at your side immediately, and you will drive them away from you, and courage will compass you round about, and the glory of God will walk with you; and ‘you will be filled to your soul’s desire’ (Isaiah 58:11).”
[From St. Pachomius (Pachomian Koinonia III; Cistercian Publications pg. 14).]
[0] comments (65 views)
Fri Jun 04, 2010
The Vitality of Prayer
Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.
[St John Chrysostom]
[0] comments (67 views)
How Wonderful!
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.
[Psalm 118: 24]
[0] comments (66 views)
Always Love
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the dark.
[1 John 2:9]
[0] comments (70 views)
Yikes!
Let the mouth also fast from disgraceful speeches and railings. For what does it profit if we abstain from fish and fowl and yet bite and devour our brothers and sisters? The evil speaker eats the flesh of his brother and bites the body of his neighbor.
[Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople]
[0] comments (66 views)
Fasting and Mercy
Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God? Give it two wings: fasting and almsgiving.
[Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo]
[0] comments (67 views)
Nothing More Needs to be Said
Jesus Christ is the one Savior of the world, yesterday, today, and forever.
[Hebrew 13.8]
[0] comments (67 views)
Christ and Me
I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
[Philippians 4:13]
[0] comments (67 views)
Keep it Simple
You must aim to be saintly and religious, filled with faith and love, patient and gentle.
[1 Timothy 6: 11]
[0] comments (74 views)
Steadfastness of Faith
One ought to remain in that Church which, having been founded by the Apostles, exists even till this day.
[0] comments (69 views)
Church Attendees
Not only we are in this assembly (in the Church), but also the prophets and the apostles and all the saints; and what is most important of all - among us is Jesus Christ Himself, the Master of everything.
[St. John Chrysostom]
[0] comments (66 views)
The Salt of the Earth
The Church is the salt that salts the whole world, preserving it from putridity.
[St. Ephraim the Syrian]
[0] comments (61 views)
Foreshadowing of the Church
For the Law is indeed the figure and the shadow of an image, that is, of the Gospels; but the image, namely, the Gospel, is the representative of Truth itself. For the men of older time and the Law foretold us the characteristics of the Church, and the Church represents those [characteristics] of the new dispensation which is to come... For we know in part, and as it were 'through a glass,' since that which is perfect has not yet come to us, namely the Kingdom of Heaven and the Resurrection.
[St. Methodios of Alexandria, Banquet of the Ten Virgins]
[0] comments (71 views)
The Church of God
For whomever the Church is not mother, God is not father.
[Cyprian of Carthage]
[0] comments (61 views)
The Church of God
For whomever the Church is not mother, God is not father.
[Cyprian of Carthage]
[0] comments (73 views)
Akathist to Jesus Christ
Jesus, Creator of those on high.
Jesus, Redeemer of those below.
Jesus, Vanquisher of the nethermost powers.
Jesus, Adorner of every creature.
Jesus, Comforter of my soul.
Jesus, Enlightener of my mind.
Jesus, Gladness of my heart.
Jesus, Health of my body.
Jesus, my Saviour, save me.
Jesus, my Light, enlighten me.
Jesus, from all torment deliver me.
Jesus, save me who am unworthy.
[Oikos 4]
[0] comments (73 views)
Thu Jun 03, 2010
A Humble Benediction
Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord have mercy.
You have gladdened us, O Lord, by your deeds, and in the works of your hands have we rejoiced. The light of your countenance, O Lord, has been signed upon us. You have given gladness to our hearts. From the fruit of wheat, wine, and oil have we been filled. Indeed, God is with us, He that has mercy and nourishes us by His grace and love for mankind, always, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
[Fr. Gus G. Christo]
[0] comments (79 views)
THE VANITY OF WORLDLY GOODS
“For wealth itself often does not last until evening for those who thought to hold on to it, but, like a hardhearted runaway slave, it changes from one master to another, and sends off naked and deserted those who were so eager to treat it with all respect. The very experience of business affairs teaches everyone that wealth often takes those who have a passion for it and surrounds them with dangers they cannot resist. Human glory is something like this, too. He who shines out brilliantly today and appears famous in the eyes of men suddenly falls into dishonor and every body despises him…I exhort you, therefore: let us seek the things which abide forever and never change…And I urge you to show great zeal by gathering here in the Church at dawn to make your prayers and confessions to the God of all things, and to thank Him for the gifts He has already given. Beseech Him to deign to lend you from now on His powerful aid in guarding this treasure; strengthened with this aid, let each one leave the Church to take up his daily tasks, one hastening to work with his hands, another hurrying to his military post, and still another to his post in government. However, let each one approach his daily task with fear and anguish, and spend his working hours in the knowledge that at evening he should return here to the Church, render an account to the Master of his whole day, and beg forgiveness for his falls. Even if we are on our guard ten thousand times a day, we cannot avoid making ourselves accountable for many and different faults. Either we say something at the wrong time, or we listen to idle talk, or we think indecent thoughts, or we fail to control our eyes, or we spend time in vain and idle things that have no connection with what we should be doing.”
[St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Baptismal Instructions]
[0] comments (62 views)
Summer 2010
Dear Parishioners:
During the summer when we allocate time to rejuvenate our bodies, please let us not forget to regenerate our souls. Remember: “Everything in Due Moderation,” putting the Church first and foremost. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:26-27). Let us be a fine, tuned instrument – in body, soul and spirit – that magnifies God with love and boldness. Since the Divine Liturgy is the means by which Christ comes to us concretely in the Eucharist for adoration and nutrition, please let us attend the summer worship services. St. Paul calls all of us to be leaven (yeast). Just as leaven converts a large quantity of meal into its own quality, let us change our neighbor and locality to fit God’s specifications. Let us accomplish this through Communion with the Church where the power of the Gospel is great. What is once leavened becomes leaven in turn for others. God bless all of you with a safe, fruitful and blessed summer.
Paternally,
+ Rev. Dr. Gus G. Christo, Protopresbyter
[0] comments (71 views)
Repentance in Preparation for the Holy Dormition Lent
“Let us then, as long as we are in this world, repent of whatever evils we have done in the flesh, so that we may be saved by the Lord while we yet have time for repentance. For, after we have departed this world, we will no longer be able to confess, nor will there be any time to repent.” [St. Clement of Rome c. 101 A.D.]
[0] comments (74 views)
Food for Thought
“It is not meager income that constitutes poverty. Rather, insatiable wants constitute poverty. The good man, however, being free from such wants, is truly rich.” [St. Clement]
“The things you teach cannot have any weight unless you be the first to practice them.” [Lactantius]
[0] comments (73 views)
On the Dormition of the Theotokos
“It was fitting that Mary should be assisted by the holy Apostles. For, she was the Mother of them all, since the Only-Begotten Son and Word of God called His own Apostles brothers. It was fitting that her all-holy, God-bearing body, the receptacle of God, divinized and illumined by the divine light and full of glory, should be carried by the Apostles in company with the angels and confided for a short time to the earth and elevated in glory into heaven with its God-pleasing soul.”
[Theoteknos of Livias, 6th century. An excerpt from one of the earliest sermons on the Dormition of the Theotokos]
[0] comments (76 views)
Mon May 31, 2010
Pearls from St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople
1. “Slander is worse than cannibalism.”
2. “Prayer should be the means by which I, at all times, receive all that I need, and, for this reason, be my daily refuge, my daily consolation, my daily joy, my source of rich and inexhaustible joy in life.”
[0] comments (90 views)
Tue May 25, 2010
The Power of Christ’s Blood
If we wish to understand the power of Christ’s blood, we should go back to the ancient account of its prefiguring in Egypt. “Sacrifice a lamb without blemish,” commanded Moses, “and sprinkle its blood on your doors.” If we were to ask him what he meant, and how the blood of an irrational beast could possibly save men endowed with reason, his answer would be that the saving power lies not in the blood itself, but in the fact that it is a sign of the Lord’s blood. In those days, when the destroying angel saw the blood on the doors, he did not dare to enter, so how much less will the devil approach now when he sees, not that figurative blood on the doors, but the true blood on the lips of believers, the doors of the temple of Christ.
(St. John Chrysostom, Baptismal Catechesis 3)
[0] comments (101 views)
| PREV page | NEXT page |
