Homily 27 #
On Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent: A Teaching of St. John Chrysostom on Those Who Speak in Church
This I say to Christians who stand in the Church during the time of the Holy Liturgy, that most awesome service, yet speak idle and unworthy words in that sacred place. O man, what are you doing? Did you not make a promise when the priest said: “Lift up your hearts!” and you responded: “We lift them up unto the Lord!"—yet your mind is fixed only on vanity? Do you not fear, do you not feel shame to be found a liar at that very moment?
O, what a great wonder! The banquet of the Heavenly King is prepared, and the Lamb of God is offered for your sake. The Seraphim stand in awe, the Cherubim hover above, covering their faces with their six wings, and all the heavenly hosts pray with the priest to God for you. The divine fire descends from heaven, and the Blood of Christ is held in the chalice for your cleansing. And yet, how do you not tremble, how do you not cease from speaking idle words?
Out of all the hours of the day, the Lord has set apart but one for His service. And yet you waste even that hour in laughter and empty talk. How then do you dare approach that Divine Mystery and receive the Body and Blood of Christ with defiled lips? No, brothers, let this not be so! But receive the Body and Blood of Christ with fear and trembling, having cleansed yourselves from all sin and repented sincerely. For this gift is not given by the priest who now serves, but by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, I beg you, brothers, do not spend the time of standing in church in idle chatter, for in that hour a great mystery is accomplished. Rather, let us stand with fear, speaking not a single word to anyone until the service is finished. With our eyes cast downward and our minds lifted on high, let us sigh and be contrite in heart.
Have you not seen how people stand before an earthly king, not daring to move from their place, nor to speak with anyone, nor to turn their gaze elsewhere, but standing with fear as though immovable? Consider this, O man! If they stand before an earthly king with such reverence, how much more should we approach the Heavenly King with fear and trembling?
Therefore, as we enter the Church, let us come as is fitting for prayer before God, holding no anger or resentment against anyone, so that we may boldly say: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
To our God be glory, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.