Tag Archive for ‘John Chrysostom’
The Importance of Attentiveness to the Readings
If a man should come here with earnestness – even though he does not read the Scriptures at home – and if he pays attention to what is said here, within the space of even one year he will be able to obtain a considerable acquaintance with them. For we do not read these Scriptures [...]
Nothing is as precious as a human soul
Nothing is as precious as a human soul. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his soul? Yet the love of money has perverted and destroyed all our values; it has driven out the fear of God and holds our souls in its power, [...]
Seek to Save Others
There is nothing colder than a Christian who does not seek to save others. You cannot plead poverty here; the widow putting in her two small coins will be your accuser. Each one can help his neighbor if only he is willing to do what is in his power. Look at the trees that do [...]
All I ask for is a little bread …
“On giving to the poor, Christ might say to us: ‘You are bound to me by innumerable favors, and now I ask you to make some return. Not that I demand it as my due. I reward you as though you were acting out generosity; for your trifling gestures, I am giving you a kingdom.” [...]
Praying for Them
Weep for those who die in their wealth and who with all their wealth prepared no consolation for their own souls, who had the power to wash away their sins and did not will to do it. Let us weep for them, let us assist them to the extant of our ability, let us think [...]
Five Paths of Repentance
Would you like me to list also the paths of repentance? They are numerous and quite varied, and all lead to heaven. A first path of repentance is the condemnation of your own sins: Be the first to admit your sins and you will be justified. For this reason, too, the prophet wrote: I said: [...]
Making the Correct Choice
In the matter of piety, poverty serves us better than wealth, and work better than idleness, especially since wealth becomes an obstacle even for those who do not devote themselves to it. Yet, when we must put aside our wrath, quench our envy, soften our anger, offer our prayers, and show a disposition which is [...]
Offer a Sacrifice of Righteousness
What is the meaning of “Offer a sacrifice of righteousness” [P 4:5]? Seek after righteousness, bring an offering of righteousness. This — not the sacrifice of sheep and calves but the practice of righteousness — is the greatest gift one can bring to God; this is an acceptable sacrifice, an offering that is pleasing. Behold [...]
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