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 insightful words attest to the early Church's beliefs on a number of topics including Mary's perpetual virginity, the powerful value of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, Christ's Eucharistic presence, and the role and primacy of the Pope.
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.
The sainted bishop considered learning as an obligation for everyone. To help develop our God-given intellectual faculties and to deepen our understanding of the faith, each Christian should seek to understand the Christian faith to the extent that our intellect allows.
Personal study and group study of scripture and doctrine and theology can not only deepen our appreciation of our faith, it can help us to live it, and spread it. Study can help us be vigilant against error and help us deliver others from error.
In the Gospel, the Lord explains how “A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil;”, well we need to store up goodness in our heart through study of our faith. To grow in authentic knowledge and understanding is to grow in goodness.
We live in an age of abundant access to resources that can help deepen our faith. Podcasts, videos, apps, online bible studies, websites dedicated to Christian faith formation are at literally at our fingertips. But still, study takes discipline.
If our words are to become golden, they must be refined in the fire of truth and tempered by the hammer of discipline.
Through the intercession of St. Peter Chrysologus, may our faith, hope, and love be deepened, perfected and shared for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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For all bishops and priests and all preachers of the faith, that they may be gifted with eloquence and conviction to preach the Gospel effectively and lead their flocks to deeper faith, let us pray to the Lord.
For all Christians, that we may embrace the obligation to learn and grow in our faith, making use of the abundant resources available to us, let us pray to the Lord.
For theologians and religious educators, that they may be inspired by St. Peter Chrysologus to help others understand and apply the teachings of Christ in their daily lives, and for those who struggle with doubts or are tempted by errors contrary to the faith, that they may be guided to the fullness of truth, let us pray to the Lord.
For an increase in devotion to the Eucharist among all the faithful, a greater commitment to the works of mercy, especially care for the poor, and for the grace to practice prayer, fasting, and almsgiving with renewed fervor. Let us pray to the Lord.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of human trafficking, natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for the unborn, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Priest: Heavenly Father, through the intercession of St. Peter Chrysologus, hear the prayers we bring before you. Grant us the grace to grow in wisdom and understanding, in order to serve you more faithfully on earth and so win a greater share of glory in heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
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