At the Feet of the Fathers St. John Chrysostom on Worldly Things

At the Feet of the Fathers

Monday, September 11, 2023

St. John Chrysostom

John Chrysostom (c. AD  347 – September 14 AD 407) was an important early Church father who served as archbishop of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey). He is known for his preaching, public speaking, his stand against abuses both among secular authorities and in the church, and his Divine Liturgy, used to this day in Eastern Orthodoxy. The name Chrysostom means "golden-mouthed" in Greek and was given to him for his celebrated eloquence. Chrysostom was one of the most prolific authors in the early Christian Church.

Do Not Rely On Worldly Things

“Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:1

This saying ought to be written on our walls and clothes, in the marketplace, in the house, on the streets, on the doors and entrances, and above all on the conscience of everyone. It should be a perpetual theme for meditation.

Since deceitful things, masks, and pretenses seem real to many, at supper and breakfast, and whenever people gather together, everyone should say to his neighbor and hear his neighbor say in return, "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity."

Did I not keep telling you that wealth was a runaway? But you would not listen. Did I not tell you it was an ungrateful servant? But you would not be persuaded. But now look! Actual experience has proved that it is not only a runaway and an ungrateful servant but also a murderous one because it is what has made you fear and tremble.

When you kept rebuking me for speaking the truth, did I not tell you, "I love you more than those who flatter you?" Did I not also say that the words of friends were more reliable than the willing kisses of enemies?

If you had submitted to my wounds, their kisses would not have brought this destruction on you. My wounds bring health, but their kisses have produced an incurable disease.

St. John Chrysostom, Homily 1 on Eutropius, 1