Beloved in Christ, today, we gather to honor Saint John Chrysostom, a great Bishop and Doctor of the Church whose life and teachings resonate deeply with the readings in today’s Holy Mass. His commitment to the Gospel, his eloquence in preaching, and his unwavering dedication to pastoral care remind us of the very core of our Christian calling.
In our first reading, Saint Paul passionately expresses the urgency and obligation of preaching the Gospel. He writes, “Woe to me if I do not preach it!” This sense of existential duty paralleled the life of Saint John Chrysostom. Born in Antioch around the year 349, he was a gifted orator with a profound love for God’s Word. His name, meaning "golden mouth," aptly described his ability to audibly articulate the truths of the Gospel with clarity and zeal. John Chrysostom felt the weight of Paul’s words; he recognized that preaching the Word of God was not merely a profession but a calling which would require all his attention, energy, heart and soul.
As we read, Paul explains that he has made himself a "slave to all." This humility and willingness to serve others was also evident in Chrysostom's life, particularly during his time as Archbishop of Constantinople. He preached tirelessly for social justice, standing against the injustices of wealth and privilege. He cared deeply for the poor, often forgoing his own comfort to advocate for those marginalized by society. His commitment was not for accolades or recognition, but for the sake of the Gospel, embodying the very essence of Christ’s sacrificial leadership.
In the Gospel of Luke, we hear Jesus cautioning us against the blind leading the blind. He implores us to recognize our own faults before we seek to correct and guide others. Chrysostom, in his preaching, emphasized the need for self-examination and repentance. He understood that one cannot lead effectively while blind to one's own shortcomings. The Gospel calls us to authenticity; this was seen in how Chrysostom approached his own ministry: he was not merely a preacher of words but a man of action, aligning his life with the very teachings he expounded.
John Chrysostom had an unyielding spirit, even when faced with great adversity. His outspoken nature often led to conflict with those in power, resulting in his eventual exile. Yet, he embraced suffering, understanding it as a part of the Christian journey. He once said, “The road to the end is not sweet; it is full of thorns; but the end is sweet.” Indeed, to run the race of faith as Paul encourages us, requires endurance and discipline — qualities that Chrysostom exemplified.
His legacy is a testimony to the enduring power of the Gospel and a call to each of us to examine how we can better live out our faith. His life invites us to reflect: Are we running the race in such a way that we are striving for that imperishable crown? Are we willing to discipline ourselves as athletes do, so that we are prepared to share the Good News effectively, with clarity and integrity?
As we remember this saint, let us heed the call to action rooted in surrender, humility, and love for others. May we not only proclaim the Gospel with our lips but also embody its profound truth in our lives. Let us be ever vigilant in our own spiritual lives, removing the beams that obstruct our vision, so we may truly help our brothers and sisters see the light of Christ.
In this way, may Saint John Chrysostom intercede for us as we strive to reflect the love of Christ in our communities, embracing our own call to preach the Gospel in word and deed. Amen.
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