July 30 2019 - St. Peter Chyrsologus, doctor - Lord, teach me your statutes

St. Peter Chrysologus was bishop of Ravenna Italy in the mid-5th century who was, as our opening prayer stated, “an outstanding preacher” of God’s “Incarnate Word.” This doctor of the Church was given the title “Chrysologus” which means “golden speech”, for he was known for his short and elegant homilies of which 183 survive today some 15 centuries later. (A little longer than my daily homilies by the way, but of course, much more elegant)

In his sermons, he preached against the Pagan errors that were seeking to corrupt the Christian faith; he  urged his flock to receive Holy Communion frequently, helped them to apply the moral teachings of Christ to their daily lives, and urged a special care of the poor.

Chyrsologus considered learning as an obligation for everyone, to help develop the God-given intellectual faculties and to deepen one’s understanding of the faith.  Asking questions and deepening one’s knowledge of the faith is good, for neither ignorance nor anti-intellectualism is virtuous.

In the Psalm (119) today we plead to God, “Lord, teach me your statutes”. Well, in order to be taught, we must study. The Psalm then goes on to list the effects of learning God’s statutes.

Learning enables us to follow God’s commands. We can’t obey them if we don’t know them. Learning helps us treasure God’s promises. When we learn God’s promises we come to value them beyond the empty promises and errors of the world. When we learn God’s truth we are able to declare them. We can’t give what we don’t have. How can we preach God’s word, if we haven’t learned God’s word.

Chyrsologus’ attitude toward learning is likely what gave such substance to his sermons. Scripture study and the study of doctrine will always aid us in our own evangelizing mission. Learning and study will help us explain the faith more clearly, and make us more effective witnesses to the truth in a society and culture which relativizes truth and “showing increasing reluctance to acknowledge its existence (Caritas in Veritate, 2)”.

Through the intercession of St. Peter Chyrsologus may we, as we prayed in the opening prayer, “constantly ponder in our hearts the mysteries of salvation and faithfully express them in what we do” 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.