July 30 2021 - St. Peter Chrysologus - A good tree bears good fruit

 

A week and a half ago, on July 20, we celebrated the feast of St. Apollonaris, who was bishop of the Italian diocese of Ravenna when he was martyred in AD 79. Today, we celebrate the feast of another bishop of Ravenna, living about 400 years later, Peter Chyrsologus, whose name means “golden words”. Bishop Peter of the golden words was known for his elegant homilies, over 150 of which have survived and continue to speak to us today. His golden words attest to the Church's ancient and perpetual beliefs about Mary's perpetual virginity, the powerful value of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Christ's Eucharistic presence, and the role and primacy of the Pope.

Emerging from the persecutions, the church of the 5th century had its own challenges. As the church flourished throughout the empire, heresies like Arianism and Monophysitism also sprung up. These errors taught that Jesus,  lacked a full human nature. God did not fully incarnate. Bishops like St. Peter Chyrsologus addressed these errors in their own dioceses, but that the entire church might be united in the faith, the Great Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon was called 451 AD. A still-existing text from the council written by Peter Chyrsologus corrects the error of the Monophysites, affirming that Jesus is fully God and fully man, and calls for obedience to the Pope in teaching this truth of the faith. 

In addition to his contributions to the council, as shepherd of Ravenna, Bishop Peter encouraged his flock to daily reception of Eucharist, helped them to apply the moral teachings of Christ to their daily lives, and urged a special care of the poor.

"A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit” says the Gospel for his feast today. Peter Chrysologus was certainly a good tree, that bore much fruit, because he was rooted in Christ, his mind and heart were made good soil to receive the seed of the Word of God. His golden words were the fruit of allowing the word of God to be nurtured through prayer, good works, study, holy meditation, careful speech, frequent reception of the Eucharist, love of and devotion to the Blessed Mother.

We need bishops like Peter Chrysologus; we need clear teachers of the faith like him, and we need uncompromising faithful sons and daughters of the Church like him. May his golden words continue to teach the church and encourage us to the unity of faith and enflame us for the mission of the Gospel, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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May the Church constantly be enriched through her study of God’s incarnate word and learning of God’s statutes and commands.

That all Bishops may preach and teach eloquently and faithfully the truth of Christ’s Gospel.

For the protection of young people from the corrupting influences of the world, for Christians families, and for the conversion of the faithless.

That the sick and suffering may find comfort in the promises of Christ and the consolation of the Spirit.

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, the souls in purgatory, deceased bishops, priests, and religious, those who fought and died for our freedom, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered.

Hear Our Prayers, O Lord, and through the intercession of St. Peter Chrysologus, free us from all that keeps us from the truth of Christ. Through the same Christ Our Lord.