Golden mouthed (9-13-24 Feast of St. John Chrysostom; Lk 6:39-42)

 

Chrysostom is not the surname of St. John, whose feast we celebrate on the 13th.  Chrysostom is his nickname meaning "golden-mouthed."  St. John earned that moniker because of his eloquent preaching style, his moral teaching, and intimate knowledge and explanation of Scripture.  He is better known in the Orthodox Churches than in the West.  That is probably because he was born in Antioch and lived his entire life in that region.  Eventually, he became Archbishop of Constantinople and at times gave sermons that lasted as long as two hours. 

Pope John XXIII proclaimed Chrysostom patron of the Second Vatican Council.  He is also the patron of preachers, the patron of Constantinople, and a Doctor of the Church.  The church designates certain saints as doctor to highlight the enduring spiritual benefit of their theology and understanding of Scripture.  In fact, the doctors of the church are known for their contribution to the formulation of Christian teaching on various subjects.

So, a Doctor of the Church is a great teacher of the Catholic faith.  There are 37 Doctors of the Church, four of whom are women:  St. Teresa of Avila, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Hildegard of Bingen.  The one deacon among the 37 is St. Ephrem.  These men and women are known for their contribution to theology or doctrine.  As for St. John Chrysostom, the Church owes its theology of priesthood in large measure to his teaching on the character and function of a priest.

The Church’s preferential option for the poor also has its roots in his teaching.  In his role as Bishop of Constantinople, St. John denounced the contrast that existed in that city between the wasteful extravagance of the rich and the indigence of the poor.  He was quick to suggest to the well-off that they ought to gather the homeless into their own homes.  He saw Christ in the poor, and invited his listeners to do the same and act accordingly.  His persistent defense of the poor and criticism of those with excessive wealth led many of the rich and powerful to reject his message and treat him with hostility.

Their hostile treatment did not deter him from following the inspiration of St. Paul in upholding the primacy of the individual person, especially the poor.  John viewed all as having equal rights because all are equal in the eyes of God. This emphasis on our innate personal worth inspired his view of Christianity as the proclamation of joy.  For him, this joy stems from our new beginning inaugurated by Christ.

Thus, as Christians in the world, St. John believed that we are called to reveal the meaning of this great joy.  One experiences this joy primarily through the Eucharistic celebration.  In turn, the Eucharistic celebration enables and empowers our ministry to bring the love of Christ to everyone in our daily lives.  In this sense, Mass is a sending out into the world.  In other words, our Sunday morning gathering is just as important as our Monday morning daily routine.

John's faith in the mystery of love that binds believers to Christ and to one another led him to a profound veneration of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.  For this reason, one of the richest forms of the Eastern Liturgy bears his name: "The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom".  John understood that the Divine Liturgy of the Eucharist connects earthly life with the heavenly realities promised by our Lord.  This understanding motivated his firm conviction that ecclesial unity is founded on Christ and continues through the Eucharist.  Because the Eucharistic bread is the Body of Christ, we become one with Christ through the Eucharist.

Because of his love and devotion to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, his insightful expositions of Scripture and moral teaching, as well as his lively concern for the spiritual and temporal needs of the poor, St. John Chrysostom is truly a saint that we can imitate today with confidence.