September 13 2024 - St. John Chrysostom - Aflame with love for souls

 While studying civil law, today’s saint detected God calling him to something more. He initially entered monastic life, but discerning that the life of a monk wasn’t quite his calling, John was ordained a deacon and then a priest for the Church of Antioch where he had been born—our Antioch, where our patron, St. Ignatius had been bishop about 200 years prior. 

As a young priest, it was evident that, St. John Chrysostom possessed quite gift for preaching. His bishop asked John to dedicate himself to preaching throughout the diocese, and so for the next twelve years St. John preached and taught on virtually every book on the bible. One writer puts it, “The pulpit was his throne, and he adorned it as much as any preacher of ancient or modern times.” 

St. John’s reputation as a preacher and teacher led, against his will, to his election as bishop of Constantinople, the seat of the empire, which was, at the time, a moral cesspool.  So Bishop St. John began to preach once again, fueled by love for souls, he courageously called the people to reform their lives—to bring their lives in conformity with the Word of God.  Much of this call for moral reform was directed at the imperial court. 

His focus on the imperial leaders drew the scorn of the empress who was leading a very depraved life and setting a terrible example to the people.  Once, when he preached on the story of Jezebel, the empress took it as a personal insult. So, she began to conspire against John.  She found an ally in the patriarch of Alexandria who was also threatened by John, and had John deposed on trumped up charges and forced into exile.  

The people, however, loved their bishop. And so, he was brought back to Constantinople, where he continued to condemn moral depravity and the vanities of the aristocracy and the imperial court.  The powers-that-be were not pleased and sent the bishop again into exile, into such harsh conditions that he would not return. The old, exiled bishop died on September 14, 407

Today we read from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, in which the Apostle appeals to all Christians to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience”. St. John Chrysostom is a wonderful example of a Christian striving to live in a worthy manner, worthy of the name Christian—a Christian, who like Christ, are called to witness—that salvation from sin comes from Christ. Today’s saint said, “There is nothing colder than a Christian who does not seek to save others.”

So may we be aflame with the love that impelled our Savior to the cross, the love that fills his holy saints for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. 

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That the bishops and priests may be men of sound doctrine, and courageously preach the Gospel in its fullness. We pray to the Lord.

That government leaders around the world may carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for freedom and the dignity of human life.  We pray to the Lord.

For the grace to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, to love our neighbors and enemies and those who persecute us, and to share the truth of the Gospel with all.  We pray to the Lord.

For all those who share in the sufferings of Christ—the sick, the sorrowful, and those who are afflicted or burdened in any way, especially those effected by hurricanes and storms.  We pray to the Lord.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased clergy and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray to the Lord.

O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.