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

NPNF (V1-14)St. Chrysostomfrom covetousness endures not, though thou give to those who need. For almsgiving is that whichis free from all injustice, “this” makes all things clean. This is a thing better even than fasting, orlying on the ground; they may be more painful and laborious, but this more profitable. It enlightensthe soul, makes it sleek, 2348 beautiful, and vigorous. Not so doth the fruit of the olive hold up theathletes, as this oil recovers the combatants of piety. Let us then anoint our hands, that we may liftthem up well against our adversary. He that practiceth showing mercy to him that needeth, willsoon cease from covetousness, he who continues in giving to the poor, will soon cease from anger,and will never even be high-minded. For as the physician continually tending wounded persons iseasily sobered, beholding human nature in the calamities of others; so we, if we enter upon thework of aiding the poor, shall easily become truly wise, and shall not admire riches, nor deempresent things any great matter, but despise them all, and soaring aloft to heaven, shall easily obtainthe eternal blessings, through the grace and lovingkindness of our Lord Jesus Christ; to whom, withthe Father and the Holy Ghost, be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Homily LXXXII.John xvii. 14“I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world,even as I am not of the world.”[1.] When having become virtuous we are persecuted by the wicked, or when being desirousof virtue we are mocked at by them, let us not be distracted or angry. For this is the natural courseof things, and everywhere virtue is wont to engender hatred from wicked men. For envying thosewho desire to live properly, and thinking to prepare an excuse for themselves if they can overthrowthe credit of others, they hate them as having pursuits opposite to their own, and use every meansto shame their way of life. But let not us grieve, for this is a mark of virtue. Wherefore Christ alsosaith, “If ye were of the world, the world would love its own.” ( c. xv. 19 .) And in another placeagain, “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.” ( Luke vi. 26 .) Wherefore also Hesaith here, “I have given them Thy word, and the world hath hated them.” Again He telleth thereason for which they were worthy to obtain much care from the Father; “For Thy sake,” He saith,“they have been hated, and for Thy word’s sake”; so that they would be entitled to all providentialcare.Ver. 15 . “I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldestkeep them from the evil.”2348λιπαίνει452