Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop, Doctor
Saturday of week 23 in Ordinary Time
First reading:1 Timothy 1:15-17
Saint Paul proclaims with simplicity and power the heart of the Gospel: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This truth cuts through every complexity, every excuse, and every illusion of self-sufficiency. Salvation is not our achievement, it is the gift of Christ who entered our brokenness to lift us into His mercy. Paul, once a persecutor, speaks from experience, and his gratitude bursts forth in praise: “To the eternal King, the undying, invisible and only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.” On this day we honor Saint John Chrysostom, the golden-mouthed preacher, whose words also overflowed with this same truth: all glory belongs to God because all salvation comes from Him. His eloquence, like Paul’s testimony, reminds us that our lives too should become a proclamation, not necessarily with golden words, but with authentic witness that points to Christ. When we acknowledge ourselves as sinners saved by grace, our hearts naturally rise in thanksgiving, and our lives become a hymn of glory to the eternal King. Let’s reflect: Do I truly live with the awareness that I am a sinner saved by Christ’s mercy, letting my gratitude overflow into praise and a life that gives glory to God alone?
Don Giorgio