+ This gospel passage could cause a lot of people to stop in their tracks. "From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks." When we listen to what comes out of people's mouths these days, when we listen to what comes out of our own mouths, does it evidence "a store of goodness in the heart" that produces good in the world around us – or not! I hope that it does! The words we choose, the words that just come out, the words we speak, actually ought to not be our own at all! If they are the Lord's words which should be coming out, since the day of our baptism, we will recognize them as such; if they are tainted, misguided, antagonistic, argumentative, hostile, unfriendly, unruly or just plain irreverent: then they come from the evil one who has a hold on our heart! If this is the case for ourselves or any we know: we need to pray that the Spirit of God deliver the heart that is captured by evil and make it radiate with the glory of God.
St. Peter Chrysologus was a 5th century bishop of Ravenna who was named "Chrysologus" (golden-worded) from his exceptional oratorical eloquence: Peter let the Holy Spirit choose and execute his words always! All Peter had to do was to open his mouth and start speaking! Peter also practiced many corporal and spiritual works of mercy, and ruled his flock with utmost diligence and care. He rooted out the last vestiges of paganism and other abuses: and even cautioned his people against indecent dancing. "Anyone who wishes to frolic with the devil," he remarked, "cannot rejoice with Christ." (In so very many ways 21st century mankind still "dances with the devil"). Peter died at Imola, Italy in 450 and in 1729 was made a doctor of the Church, largely as a result of his simple, practical and clear sermons which have come down to us, nearly all dealing with Gospel subjects.
It is a humbling thing to be a true preacher and teacher of the Gospel – as St. Paul tells the Ephesians in the first reading: this St. Peter Chrysologus knew, this I know – but we were chosen to do it so that the manifold wisdom of God might be made know through the Church: to those who need to hear it very badly: for their eternal salvation!
With all my heart I seek you, O Lord; let me not stray from your commands.
No comments:
Post a Comment