St. John Chrysostom, a significant figure in the early Christian church, is well-known for his captivating oratory and theological wisdom. He became the Archbishop of Constantinople in the late 4th century and left an indelible mark on the Christian world through his teachings and sermons. One of his most powerful homilies centers around the person of Jesus Christ, whom he describes in rich theological language that also touches the hearts of everyday believers. In this article, we will delve into the crucial elements of this homily, and how it aligns with the universal teachings of the Catholic Church.
Who Was St. John Chrysostom?
St. John Chrysostom (349-407 AD) was a prolific writer and preacher, so much so that his name ‘Chrysostom’ translates to ‘Golden-Mouthed.’ His eloquence in preaching gained him fame, but it was his ability to make complex theological ideas understandable that left a lasting legacy.
The Context of the Homily
St. John Chrysostom delivered a wide array of sermons and homilies throughout his life, addressing a range of issues from social justice to deep theological matters. The homily we are examining here focused on understanding the person of Jesus Christ, His divinity, and His humanity. The context of the homily was likely a need to clarify Christological beliefs, defending orthodox teachings against heretical views prevalent at the time.
The Divinity of Jesus Christ
One of the foundational points that St. John Chrysostom makes in his homily is the unequivocal assertion of Jesus Christ’s divinity. This reflects the Catholic Church’s universal teaching that Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity, fully God and fully man.
St. John Chrysostom speaks about Christ’s divine nature in no uncertain terms. While I can’t provide a word-for-word accurate quote, he emphasizes the notion that Christ existed before all creation and that He was begotten, not made. This directly aligns with the Nicene Creed and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states, “The Son is consubstantial with the Father, which means that, in the Father and with the Father, the Son is one and the same God” (CCC 262).
In support of Christ’s divinity, he likely would have drawn from passages in Scripture like the Gospel of John, where it is written, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
The Humanity of Jesus Christ
St. John Chrysostom also spends a significant portion of his homily elaborating on the humanity of Jesus Christ. This is a crucial aspect of Christology, as the Catholic Church teaches that Jesus is fully man in addition to being fully God. This concept is not just a theological opinion but a universal teaching within the Church.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it states, “The unique and altogether singular event of the Incarnation of the Son of God does not mean that Jesus Christ is part God and part man, nor does it imply that he is the result of a confused mixture of the divine and the human. He became truly man while remaining truly God” (CCC 464).
St. John Chrysostom harmonizes this teaching with Scripture, likely referencing verses like Hebrews 4:15, which states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.”
The Importance of the Incarnation
The Incarnation, the act of God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ, holds a central place in the homily of St. John Chrysostom. He goes to great lengths to explain the significance of this awe-inspiring event, and its centrality to Christian faith and salvation.
The Catholic Church universally teaches the importance of the Incarnation. The Catechism explains, “The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness… to make us partakers of the divine nature” (CCC 459, 460).
Conclusion
The homily of St. John Chrysostom about Jesus Christ stands as a powerful testament to the Church’s teachings on Christ’s divinity and humanity. His words echo through the centuries, reinforcing the essential doctrines of the Church and offering a model of eloquent preaching rooted in profound theological understanding.
By exploring his remarkable homily, we gain insights into the richness of the Catholic Church’s teachings about Jesus Christ. It aligns closely with the universal teachings found in the Catechism and in Scripture, serving as a compelling resource for understanding who Jesus Christ is and why He matters to us today.