Chrysostom
Humble Servant of All
You cry to Jesus for help with many issues, yet you do not first cry out against the sins that drag you toward hell. Every day you hear of the judgment to come, but you give no heed, while earthly troubles shake you to the core. How is this? You fear poverty, distress, or conflict, but where is your anguish and trembling lest you fall into that eternal fire? These call for lamentation, not a swift passing prayer for mere relief. The Lord is indeed loving and merciful, but He will not spare the impenitent. If you truly want His aid, begin with your own soul: turn from unjust gain, from plundering and indifference to the needy, and make your hands ready to help others. Let brother aid brother, so you become a fortified city against temptation. Do not ask only that your burdens be lifted; ask for the vigor of soul to endure tribulation as Paul did, who counted no peril or sword able to separate him from the love of God. When you have done your part, then the help from above will come in abundance. Fear hell first, and then trust that everything else will be resolved according to His will.
