
St. John Chrysostom
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Homily 67 on Matthew
3EXO 19:8JER 3:7JER 8:4MAT 21:12JHN 2:18JHN 4:35JHN 5:141CO 10:12EPH 5:14John Chrysostom preaches about Jesus cleansing the temple, highlighting the importance of maintaining a pure and reverent worship space, and the consequences of turning a sacred place into a den of thieves. He emphasizes the Jews' refusal to recognize Jesus' authority despite His miracles and teachings, and how their lack of repentance contrasts with the belief of publicans and harlots. Chrysostom encourages listeners not to despair but to have faith in God's transformative power, using examples of individuals who turned from sin to righteousness, illustrating the possibility of redemption and the need for repentance and virtuous living.
Homily 29 on Matthew
2MAT 9:5John Chrysostom preaches on the healing of the paralytic in Capernaum by Jesus, emphasizing the humility and meekness of the Lord in forgiving sins and performing miracles. Chrysostom highlights how Jesus revealed His authority as the Son of Man to forgive sins and heal the sick, demonstrating His equality with God. He points out the importance of gentleness in dealing with those who oppose the truth, urging for patience and kindness in guiding them back to virtue, following the example of Christ's compassionate approach.
Homily 37 on Matthew
1PRO 4:231CO 15:33EPH 5:11PHP 4:8JAS 4:41PE 5:8John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of indulging in worldly pleasures, specifically focusing on the negative impact of attending theaters and spectacles that promote immorality and impurity. He emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart and mind against corrupt influences, urging the congregation to avoid places and activities that lead to sin and moral decay. Chrysostom highlights the contrast between the purity of family life, the joy of children, and the blessings of marriage, encouraging believers to find true delight in wholesome relationships and virtuous living. He warns against the harmful effects of participating in sinful entertainment, which not only corrupts the individual but also contributes to the moral decline of society. Chrysostom calls for a rejection of worldly pleasures and a pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness, reminding the listeners of the eternal consequences of their choices.
Homily 31 on Matthew
1ISA 35:10MAT 8:11MAT 9:18MAT 26:39LUK 8:49JHN 11:6John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Jairus' daughter and the woman with the issue of blood, emphasizing the importance of faith, trust, and patience in times of desperation and loss. He highlights how Jesus' compassion and power over death bring hope and comfort to those who believe. Chrysostom addresses the cultural practices of mourning and challenges believers to shift their perspective on death, viewing it as a temporary rest leading to eternal life and glory in Heaven. He encourages the congregation to find solace in the resurrection and immortality promised by God, urging them to embrace suffering with faith and endurance, knowing that death is not the end but a passage to a better existence.
Homily 14 on Matthew
1John Chrysostom preaches on Jesus departing to Galilee after hearing about John's imprisonment, teaching us to avoid seeking out temptations and to stand firm when faced with challenges. He highlights how Jesus' departure to Capernaum fulfilled prophecy and how His preaching to the Gentiles was prompted by the actions of the Jews. Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of repentance as Jesus begins His ministry, calling on us to leave behind our sinful ways and follow Him wholeheartedly. He reflects on the disciples' immediate obedience to Jesus' call, showcasing their faith and willingness to abandon everything for the sake of following Christ.
Homily 18 on Matthew
1John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of showing love and forgiveness towards enemies, emphasizing the need to go beyond societal norms and exhibit self-restraint in the face of insults and wrongdoings. He highlights Jesus' teachings on turning the other cheek, giving generously, and praying for those who mistreat us, ultimately aiming to emulate God's boundless love and mercy. Chrysostom urges believers to rise above human tendencies and strive for perfection by loving even those who hate us, trusting in the rewards promised by God for such actions.
Homily 32 on Matthew
1MAT 7:22MAT 9:27MAT 9:30MAT 10:1MAT 10:5JHN 13:351CO 12:31John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of faith, humility, and love in the Christian life, emphasizing the need to focus on spiritual virtues rather than seeking after miracles. He highlights the significance of genuine love, peace, and unity within the church community, urging believers to imitate the apostles in their selfless service and devotion to God. Chrysostom encourages a life of virtue, charity, and moral transformation, stating that true miracles lie in the eradication of sin and the cultivation of a pure heart. He underscores the power of living a righteous life as a testimony to the world and a means to draw others to Christ.
Homily 23 on Matthew
0MAT 7:13John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of discerning false prophets and focusing on producing good fruits in our lives. He emphasizes the narrow and challenging path of virtue compared to the wide and easy path of destruction, urging believers to choose the path of righteousness despite its difficulties. Chrysostom warns against being deceived by those who appear righteous outwardly but are inwardly corrupt, highlighting the need to be vigilant and discerning. He stresses the eternal consequences of our actions, encouraging believers to prioritize spiritual virtues over worldly gains and power, as they lead to lasting rewards in the kingdom of God.
Homily 25 on Matthew
0John Chrysostom preaches about the astonishment of the people at Jesus' teachings and authority, highlighting the power of His words and the love instilled in His followers. He emphasizes Jesus' authority in both His teachings and miracles, showcasing His divine power and the admiration He received from those with uncorrupted judgment. Chrysostom delves into the significance of Jesus' healing of the leper, illustrating the Lord's mastery over the law and His ability to cleanse both body and soul. He urges gratitude and thanksgiving as a response to God's blessings, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and appreciating His care and salvation.
Homily 27 on Matthew
0John Chrysostom preaches on the healing power of Jesus, showcasing His compassion and authority over sickness and demons. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly concerns, as seen in the interactions with those who wanted to follow Jesus but were hindered by personal obligations. Chrysostom highlights the need to focus on the eternal and spiritual well-being, urging believers to draw near to Jesus for healing and transformation, even for those who seem spiritually dead or bound by sin.
Homily 19 on Matthew
0MAT 5:44MAT 6:9MAT 6:13John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of forgiveness, urging believers to let go of anger and malice towards others. He emphasizes the need to pray with sincerity, humility, and a focus on God's glory, rather than seeking personal gain or revenge. Chrysostom highlights the power of prayer in aligning our will with God's, seeking His kingdom, and acknowledging His authority and majesty. He warns against the dangers of harboring grudges and seeking harm for others, stressing the significance of forgiving others as a reflection of God's mercy towards us. Chrysostom encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, kindness, and love towards their enemies, knowing that such actions lead to peace, blessings, and divine favor.
Homily 17 on Matthew
01SA 3:13MAT 5:20JHN 8:44John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of upholding God's commandments, focusing on the seriousness of committing adultery not only physically but also in the heart by lusting after someone. He explains the progression of Christ's teachings, emphasizing the need for self-control and purity of heart. Chrysostom highlights the significance of avoiding false oaths and the power of habit in shaping one's behavior. He urges the listeners to strive for righteousness that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees, emphasizing the need for diligence and obedience to God's laws to attain the kingdom of Heaven.
Homily 16 on Matthew
0ROM 12:19John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of following Christ's teachings, emphasizing the need to control our anger and reconcile with others quickly to avoid judgment and punishment. He highlights the value of love and unity, urging believers to prioritize reconciliation over personal grievances. Chrysostom explains that by following Christ's commandments, we not only benefit ourselves but also demonstrate our love for God. He encourages a mindset that values eternal rewards over temporary pleasures, reminding listeners that God assists and rewards those who strive to live virtuously.
Homily 15 on Matthew
0PRO 19:17John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of living a virtuous life, showing mercy, and being peacemakers. He emphasizes the need to shine as lights in the world, to help those in need, and to reconcile those in conflict. Chrysostom urges believers to be humble, meek, and pure in heart, to avoid seeking praise for their good deeds, and to seek their reward from God. He encourages showing mercy, even in small acts, and warns against giving in to anger and violence, reminding that God will repay our actions.
Homily 22 on Matthew
0John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of trusting in God's providential care, highlighting how even the lilies of the field are beautifully adorned by God without toiling or spinning, surpassing even Solomon's glory. He emphasizes the need to seek the kingdom of Heaven first, assuring that God will provide for our necessities. Chrysostom encourages earnest prayer and repentance, reminding that God is eager to bestow His blessings upon those who ask with faith and persistence, even surpassing our expectations. He urges believers to prioritize spiritual matters over worldly concerns, trusting in God's abundant grace and mercy.
Homily 11 on Matthew
0MAT 3:7LUK 20:5JHN 1:24JHN 1:34JHN 5:46John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of repentance, belief, and bearing good fruits as demonstrated by the encounter of John the Baptist with the Pharisees and Sadducees. He highlights the need for genuine transformation of the heart, warning against complacency and emphasizing the imminent judgment and the necessity of living a life in accordance with God's will. Chrysostom urges the congregation to diligently practice virtue, resist temptations, and cultivate a life of self-restraint and righteousness, both at home and in public, to prepare for the eternal rewards promised by God.
Homily 21 on Matthew
0MAT 6:24MAT 6:31LUK 16:13John Chrysostom preaches about the impossibility of serving two masters, emphasizing the need to choose between serving God or wealth, as serving both is contradictory. He highlights the dangers of being enslaved by riches, which can lead one away from God's service and true devotion. Chrysostom urges the listeners to prioritize their affection towards God and perfect their charity by despising wealth. He explains that God's providence sustains us, even as we are encouraged to trust in Him for our needs without excessive worry or anxiety. The sermon concludes with a call to practice moderation, almsgiving, and honest labor, as steps towards achieving higher levels of self-denial and spiritual growth.
Homily 10 on Matthew
0ISA 40:3MAT 3:1LUK 3:3JHN 1:33ACT 19:4ROM 13:121CO 6:11HEB 10:37John Chrysostom preaches about the significance of repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven, as proclaimed by John the Baptist in the wilderness of Judæa. He explains the purpose of Jesus' baptism after thirty years, emphasizing the fulfillment of all righteousness through obedience to the law. John's baptism symbolizes repentance for the remission of sins, urging people to acknowledge their sins, humble themselves, and seek God's grace and forgiveness.
Homily 9 on Matthew
01CO 5:5John Chrysostom preaches about the tragic events surrounding Herod's anger and the massacre of the innocent children in Bethlehem, highlighting the cruelty and senselessness of Herod's actions driven by envy and anger. He explains that the suffering of the innocent children served a greater purpose, either to atone for sins or to receive heavenly rewards, emphasizing the importance of enduring suffering with faith and virtue. Chrysostom urges the listeners to focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly riches, warning against the dangers of being enslaved by material wealth and the insatiable desire for possessions.
Homily 7 on Matthew
0MAT 2:41CO 7:41CO 11:271CO 14:341TI 4:2John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, emphasizing how even the enemies of the truth unwittingly contributed to the fulfillment of prophecies and the revelation of Christ's divinity. He highlights the contrast between the wise men's reverence and the Jews' indifference, urging the congregation to emulate the magi's dedication in seeking and worshipping Christ. Chrysostom warns against the dangers of succumbing to worldly temptations, particularly the lure of immoral entertainment like the theater, and calls for a life of chastity, decency, and devotion to Christ, regardless of one's marital status or occupation.
Homily 8 on Matthew
0GEN 49:7EXO 16:3JOS 24:2MAT 2:12John Chrysostom preaches on the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the divine foreknowledge and prophetic order behind every detail, from the humble circumstances of His birth to the worship of the wise men. He highlights the faith and obedience displayed by Joseph, the wise men, and the angelic guidance received in dreams, showcasing the fulfillment of prophecies and the protection of Jesus from Herod's wrath. Chrysostom draws parallels between the Old Testament prophecies and the events surrounding Jesus' birth, emphasizing the significance of Egypt in the fulfillment of God's plan and the importance of self-command and readiness for trials in the Christian journey.
Homily 5 on Matthew
0ISA 7:14John Chrysostom preaches on the fulfillment of prophecy in the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on spiritual matters after Communion rather than being consumed by worldly distractions. He highlights the significance of the Virgin birth and the name Emmanuel, signifying God among men. Chrysostom encourages believers to imitate the obedience and righteousness of Joseph, Mary, and other faithful individuals in the Bible, stressing the need for personal virtue and repentance. He warns against relying solely on the prayers of saints and advocates for active participation in acts of charity and selflessness to receive heavenly rewards.
Homily 6 on Matthew
0GEN 49:10PRO 9:9EZK 16:49MAT 2:1MAT 10:33ROM 10:22CO 2:2EPH 6:12PHP 3:19John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of the wise men from the East seeking Jesus, emphasizing the divine intervention through the star to lead them to the newborn King of the Jews. He delves into the unique nature of the star, highlighting its miraculous movements and purpose to reprove the Jews for their insensibility and to open the door to the Gentiles. Chrysostom challenges the audience to reflect on their own actions and attitudes, urging them to prioritize repentance, compunction, and sobriety over indulgence in worldly pleasures and sinful entertainment. He warns against the dangers of immorality, blasphemy, and complacency, emphasizing the need for a contrite heart, self-restraint, and reverence in the face of spiritual warfare and impending judgment.
Homily 4 on Matthew
0DAN 3:17MAT 25:35HEB 11:38John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of imitating the faith and courage of the three young men in the fiery furnace, who chose to remain faithful to God even in the face of great danger. He emphasizes the need to prioritize spiritual wealth over material riches, urging believers to show compassion and generosity towards the poor and needy. Chrysostom warns against the dangers of idolizing wealth and exhorts listeners to find true glory in humility, self-restraint, and gratitude towards God, even in times of adversity.
Homily 20 on Matthew
0MAT 6:16John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of hypocrisy in fasting, warning against seeking recognition from others rather than from God. He emphasizes the importance of fasting with a sincere heart and not for show, pointing out the folly of neglecting to fast while pretending to do so. Chrysostom highlights the need to guard against the love of money and the enslavement it brings, urging listeners to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He encourages a shift in focus from earthly possessions to spiritual wealth, reminding believers of the eternal rewards of storing up treasures in heaven.