Monday, September 23 : Saint John Chrysostom

The waves are many and the surging sea is dangerous, but we are not afraid we may be drowned for we are standing on the rock. Let the sea rage as it will, it cannot split the rock asunder. Though the waves tower on high, they cannot overwhelm the boat of Jesus. What, pray beloved, are we afraid of? Death? “For me life is Christ, and death gain” (Phil 1:21). But tell me, is it exile ? “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains” (Ps 23[24]:1). Is it the loss of property? “We brought nothing into the world. It is certain we can take nothing out of it” (1Tm 6:7)… If you find these words difficult to believe, believe the evidence. How many tyrants have tried to wipe out the Church?… But none of these things have triumphed against her. Where, now, are those men, those raging persecutors? Fallen into oblivion. And the Church, where is she? See her with her radiance shining like the sun… “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst” (Mt 18:20)… I have the word of Christ, his scripture in my hand; I do not lean on human strength; I hold fast to his word. That to me is my staff, that to me is security, that to me is a calm harbor. Even though the world be in turmoil, I hold fast to this word. I read it. It is my rampart, my safeguard. What word is this? “I am with you all days even to the end of time” (Mt 28:20). Christ is with me, whom shall I fear? Though waves rise up against me, the seas, the wrath of rulers: these things are no more to me than a cobweb.

maronite readings – rosary,team