Chrysostom
Beloved of All
The day is calling us to battle-array, and to the fight. Yet fear not at hearing of array and arms. For it is of Light the arms are! They will set thee forth brighter than the sunbeam, and they place thee in security. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. This present time is night because of those who sit in darkness, but the day is at hand for the faithful who enjoy that light. Let us walk honestly as in the day.
Now this is no light charge against the enemies of our peace, when they behold the miracles and do all just contrary. But see the earnestness of your cry, and of your prayer itself. For you do not merely approach Him, but with loud cries, and alleging nought else but mercy. Prayer is a great weapon. We need favorable winds; we need to learn everything, so as to go through the length of the day without shipwrecks and without wounds. For every single day the rocks are many, and oftentimes the boat strikes and is sunk. Therefore have we especially need of prayer early and by night. And it is a good thing to enjoy the prayer of the Saints, but it is when we ourselves also are on the alert. Do not say, what need have I of prayer? On this account thou needest it, because thou thinkest that thou hast no need.
So that even he that eateth, if in ignorance, may be rid of anxiety. For such is the nature of those things which are not in their essence evil, but through the man's intention make him unclean. Wherefore, asking no question, cast off the torment about the meals. He Himself drank of the cup first, leading them to the calm participation of the mysteries, that they might not be troubled. If this worketh remission of sins, as it surely doth work it, the other is now superfluous. Remove all rigidity of thought, for the Scriptures bring patience, and patience hope, and both of them are brought about by the Scriptures, that being nerved and comforted we might not fall away.
And lest, hearing of a garden, you should think it strange, remember that He ofttimes was with them apart in mountains and gardens, seeking a place free from disturbance, that their attention might not be distracted. So let your household be a garden free from disturbance, where He often resorts. He had so freed them from fear that they no longer resisted but entered with Him.
That all men through Him might believe, and that being established in thorough security and liberty, you may declare the miraculous healing with a faith that sees the future night where sin has no power to work. The day is calling you; put on the armor of light, and find rest not in the absence of the storm, but in the peace of the Commander who makes even the fight a solemn feast-day.
Now this is no light charge against the enemies of our peace, when they behold the miracles and do all just contrary. But see the earnestness of your cry, and of your prayer itself. For you do not merely approach Him, but with loud cries, and alleging nought else but mercy. Prayer is a great weapon. We need favorable winds; we need to learn everything, so as to go through the length of the day without shipwrecks and without wounds. For every single day the rocks are many, and oftentimes the boat strikes and is sunk. Therefore have we especially need of prayer early and by night. And it is a good thing to enjoy the prayer of the Saints, but it is when we ourselves also are on the alert. Do not say, what need have I of prayer? On this account thou needest it, because thou thinkest that thou hast no need.
So that even he that eateth, if in ignorance, may be rid of anxiety. For such is the nature of those things which are not in their essence evil, but through the man's intention make him unclean. Wherefore, asking no question, cast off the torment about the meals. He Himself drank of the cup first, leading them to the calm participation of the mysteries, that they might not be troubled. If this worketh remission of sins, as it surely doth work it, the other is now superfluous. Remove all rigidity of thought, for the Scriptures bring patience, and patience hope, and both of them are brought about by the Scriptures, that being nerved and comforted we might not fall away.
And lest, hearing of a garden, you should think it strange, remember that He ofttimes was with them apart in mountains and gardens, seeking a place free from disturbance, that their attention might not be distracted. So let your household be a garden free from disturbance, where He often resorts. He had so freed them from fear that they no longer resisted but entered with Him.
That all men through Him might believe, and that being established in thorough security and liberty, you may declare the miraculous healing with a faith that sees the future night where sin has no power to work. The day is calling you; put on the armor of light, and find rest not in the absence of the storm, but in the peace of the Commander who makes even the fight a solemn feast-day.
