Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church
(I Corinthians 12:12-14.27-31a; Luke 11:11-17)
The saga of St. John Chrysostom compares favorably with that
of Thomas More or any other great church figure. As an adolescent, he was noted for
exceptional rhetorical skill. But rather
than pursue a law career, he joined a group of hermits. When his health failed, he went home where he
was eventually ordained. As a priest, he
put to good use his speaking skills. He was
known as the finest preacher in his city.
Unwilling to accept the offer to be patriarch of Constantinople, John
was sequestered by the emperor. He gave
in to the emperor’s wish, but he was never his lacky. Because John criticized the emperor’s wife’s extravagant
lifestyle, he was exiled. Brought back
to Constantinople be popular demand, he was exiled again. This the charge was his defying the emperor’s
orders not to preach after criticizing the empress for erecting a silver
statute of herself. He died in exile.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul writes that some people
have the charism of apostle and some the charism of prophet. John Chrysostom practiced prophecy like
perhaps no other in the history of the Church.
The name “Chrysostom” means golden mouth. It was given after his death because of his
powerful preaching.
We may emulate John Chrysostom. We will not speak as eloquently or as forcefully
as him, but we might always speak the truth, even in front of authority. This is not so much a question of our
criticizing people of power but of being honest before them about our actions
and motives.
