Homily for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time-Memorial of St. John Chrysostom (Bishop and Doctor of the Church) 13th September 2023

Homily for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time. 

Memorial of St. John Chrysostom (Bishop and Doctor of the Church). 

Colossians 3:1-11. Psalm 145:2-3,10-11,12-13ab. Luke 6:20-26.

St. Paul tells us in the first reading, "If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (Col.3:1). As Christians, we are called to set our affections on things that are heavenly. Not only must we seek heaven, but we must think of heaven. Anything we do that will make us lose heaven must be avoided.

A Christian should prefer heavenly treasures to earthly riches. He/she should prefer truth, purity, and love to any things that are temporal.

Jesus, in today's Gospel, tells us what it takes to attain eternal bliss in heaven with St. Luke's version of the beatitudes. It began with, "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20).

Hunger, thirst, hatred, weeping, persecution, and rejection are far from our understanding of those who are blessed. It does not make sense to be blessed in these conditions from the earthly point of view, but Jesus tells us that those in these states are blessed. Why are they blessed?

When a person in need recognises his/her dependence on God and relies on Him always, then that person is blessed. On the contrary, warning is given to those who are rich, well-fed, and always hear good things about themselves. They always have the tendency to be self-sufficient and not depend on God.

To make heaven is not easy; it is not for the fainthearted; it is for those who will never look back, having placed their hands on the plough. It is for those who are willing to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Jesus wherever He leads them.

We celebrate the memorial of St. John Chrysostom, who was born at Antioch about the year 344. He was named Chrysostom (golden mouthed) on account of his eloquence. He would undoubtedly have been successful in the world of the courts, theatre, and literature, but following his baptism, around the age of twenty, he preferred to devote himself to the study of Scripture and the service of the Church.

In 374, he began to live a life of contemplation and asceticism in the mountains near Antioch, but in 386, the poor state of his health forced him to return to Antioch, where he was ordained a priest. In 398, he was made the bishop of Constantinople and became one of the greatest lights of the Church of his era. He was only able to exercise his episcopal responsibilities freely for six years. He spoke again and again to enlighten his people, to educate them, to incite them to follow their Christian vocation. But he had enemies in high places. Several accusations were brought against him, and he was sent into exile. He had no fear of unjust judgments, harassment, defamation, and persecution.

In the midst of his sufferings, he found the greatest peace and happiness. He was blessed in the midst of persecution. His enemies were not satisfied with the sufferings he had already endured, and he was banished further to Pythius. He died on his was there there on September 14, 407.

Through the intercession of St. John Chrysostom, may God grant the grace to endure sufferings and persecution on account of the Gospel through Christ our Lord. Amen.