Chrysostom
Beloved of All
The prayer you lift up for your parents is a heavy and holy burden. It springs from a right love, for we are commanded to draw all men to salvation, whether Gentile or kinsman. Yet do not let your heart be troubled if they now see only foolishness in the Cross. The word of the Cross is indeed foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the very power of God. That which seems weak and contemptible is the wisdom of God, hidden before the ages for our glory. So weep for them, yes, and pray without ceasing, for the lovingkindness of God is great. But remember that the hope of salvation for any soul rests not in another, but in their own repentance and turning after God's mercy. You cannot change their hearts, but He who called you when you were far off can call them too, for everything belongs to the Caller, and nothing to the called but to obey.
As for the snares and schemes of the enemy set against you and your household, take courage. The Cross is the great defeat of every satanic deed and intention. God made foolish the wisdom of this world, and through the foolishness of preaching He saves those who believe. The victory is already won, more splendid because it came through what appeared weak. Hold fast to that one sacrifice by which Christ has perfected forever those who are sanctified. There is no need for another sacrifice, no other way. This is the short word upon the earth: if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. That brief confession carries with it not only salvation but righteousness. In that word you have wisdom, protection, and a way out of every assault, for it is the power of God.
Do not seek wisdom according to the rulers of this age, which comes to nothing. The wisdom we speak among the perfect is Christ crucified, the very wisdom of God in a mystery. The perfect are not those with lofty arguments but those who believe. Let your faith not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. And if you need wisdom for daily trials, seek it not in the cleverness of this world but in that true Wisdom which is the Gospel, the method of salvation. God will make a way according to His will as you cling to Him. But see to it that your own life is pure, your conduct the best. If any stain comes, whether from without or within, do not sleep in it. Rise up quickly, washing away pollution by repentance, by tears, by prayers, by works of mercy. For godly sorrow works repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of, while the sorrow of the world works death.
May your parents truly hear His voice, for the truth has such force that even those who opposed Him once proclaimed His death as the salvation of the world. He is able to draw them by the same grace that caught you when you were pursued by no merits of your own. Stand firm, then, in the foolishness that shames the wise, and may God be glorified mightily in your family's salvation.
As for the snares and schemes of the enemy set against you and your household, take courage. The Cross is the great defeat of every satanic deed and intention. God made foolish the wisdom of this world, and through the foolishness of preaching He saves those who believe. The victory is already won, more splendid because it came through what appeared weak. Hold fast to that one sacrifice by which Christ has perfected forever those who are sanctified. There is no need for another sacrifice, no other way. This is the short word upon the earth: if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. That brief confession carries with it not only salvation but righteousness. In that word you have wisdom, protection, and a way out of every assault, for it is the power of God.
Do not seek wisdom according to the rulers of this age, which comes to nothing. The wisdom we speak among the perfect is Christ crucified, the very wisdom of God in a mystery. The perfect are not those with lofty arguments but those who believe. Let your faith not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. And if you need wisdom for daily trials, seek it not in the cleverness of this world but in that true Wisdom which is the Gospel, the method of salvation. God will make a way according to His will as you cling to Him. But see to it that your own life is pure, your conduct the best. If any stain comes, whether from without or within, do not sleep in it. Rise up quickly, washing away pollution by repentance, by tears, by prayers, by works of mercy. For godly sorrow works repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of, while the sorrow of the world works death.
May your parents truly hear His voice, for the truth has such force that even those who opposed Him once proclaimed His death as the salvation of the world. He is able to draw them by the same grace that caught you when you were pursued by no merits of your own. Stand firm, then, in the foolishness that shames the wise, and may God be glorified mightily in your family's salvation.
