Homilies on the Gospel of St. John and the Epistle to the Hebrews

NPNF (V1-14)St. Chrysostom[3.] Knowing this, let us do all so as not to remove from God, but let us hold fast to the care ofour souls, and to the love towards each other; let us not tear our own members, (for this 1927 is theact of men insane and beside themselves,) but the more we see any ill disposed, the more let us bekind to them. Since we often see many persons suffering 1928 in their bodies from difficult or incurablemaladies, and cease not to apply remedies. What is worse than gout in foot or hand? Are we thereforeto cut off the limbs? Not at all, but we use every means that the sufferer may enjoy some comfort,since we cannot get rid of the disease. This also let us do in the case of our brethren, and, eventhough they be diseased incurably, let us continue to tend them, and let us bear one another’sburdens. So shall we fulfill the law of Christ, and obtain the promised good things, through thegrace and lovingkindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father and the Holy Ghostbe glory for ever and ever. Amen.252Homily LXIX.John xii. 42, 43“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Phariseesthey did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praiseof men more than the praise of God.”[1.] It is necessary for us to avoid alike all the passions which corrupt the soul, but mostespecially those, which from themselves generate numerous sins. I mean such as the love of money.It is in truth of itself a dreadful malady, but it becomes much more grievous, because it is the rootand mother of all mischiefs. Such also is vainglory. See, for instance, how these men were brokenoff from the faith through their love of honor. “Many,” it saith, “of the chief rulers also believedon Him, but because of the Jews 1929 they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of thesynagogue.” As He said also to them before, “How can ye believe which receive honor one ofanother, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?” ( c. v. 44 .) So then they were notrulers, but slaves in the utmost slavery. However, this fear was afterwards done away, for nowhereduring the time of the Apostles do we find them possessed by this feeling, since in their time bothrulers and priests believed. The grace of the Spirit having come, made them all firmer than adamant.Since therefore this was what hindered them from believing at this time, hear what He saith.Ver. 44 . “He that believeth on Me, believeth not on Me, but on Him that sent Me.”As though He had said, “Why fear ye to believe on Me? Faith passeth to the Father throughMe, as doth also unbelief.” See how in every way He showeth the unvaryingness of His Essence.1927al. “ which. ”1928al. “ persons suffering many. ”1929“ Pharisees, ” N.T.380