John Chrysostom quotes - page 2

Let us pass to the despotic part of the soul, spirit. We must not eliminate it utterly from the youth nor yet allow him to use it all the time. Let us train boys from earliest childhood to be patient when they suffer wrongs themselves, but, if they see another being wronged, to sally forth courageously and aid the sufferer in fitting measure. (John Chrysostom)
Poor human reason, when it trusts in itself, substitutes the strangest absurdities for the highest divine concepts. View quote
John Chrysostom
Endurance is the queen of all virtues. View quote
John Chrysostom
Laughter has been implanted in our soul, that the soul may sometime be refreshed. View quote
John Chrysostom
Please listen to me - you are not paying attention. I am talking to you about the Holy Scriptures, and you are looking at the lamps and the people lighting them. It is very frivolous to be more interested in what the lamplighters are doing... After all, I am lighting a lamp too - the lamp of God's Word. View quote
John Chrysostom
Do you fast? Then feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, do not forget the imprisoned, have pity on the tortured, comfort those who grieve and who weep, be merciful, humble, kind, calm, patient, sympathetic, forgiving, reverent, truthful and pious, so that God might accept your fasting and might plentifully grant you the fruits of repentance. Fasting of the body is food for the soul. View quote
John Chrysostom
It is not wine that is evil, but drunkenness. View quote
John Chrysostom
As a moth gnaws a garment, so doth envy consume a man. View quote
John Chrysostom
Whatever you may do for your brother, being hungry, and a stranger, and naked, not even the devil will be able to despoil, but it will be laid up in an inviolabe treasure. View quote
John Chrysostom
The Jews were God's chosen people. View quote
John Chrysostom
We are commanded to have only one enemy, the devil. With him never be reconciled! But with a brother, never be at enmity in thy heart. (John Chrysostom)
Is it not excessively ridiculous to seek the good opinion of those whom you would never wish to be like? View quote
John Chrysostom
The Priest is the common father, as it were, of all the world; it is proper therefore that he should care for all, even as God, Whom he serves. View quote
John Chrysostom
Nothing causes us to so nearly resemble God as the forgiveness of injuries. View quote
John Chrysostom
...there is nothing that has been created without some reason, even if human nature is incapable of knowing precisely the reason for them all. View quote
John Chrysostom
When an archer desires to shoot his arrows successfully, he first takes great pains over his posture and aligns himself accurately with his mark. It should be the same for you who are about to shoot the head of the wicked devil. Let us be concerned first for the good order of sensations and then for the good posture of inner thoughts.' View quote
John Chrysostom
This is the highest point of philosophy, to be simple & wise; this is the angelic life. View quote
John Chrysostom
And all men are ready to pass judgement on the priest as if he was not a being clothed with flesh, or one who inherited a human nature. View quote
John Chrysostom
Are you angry? Be angry at your sins, beat your soul, afflict your conscience, but strict in judgement and a terrible punisher of your own sins. This is the benefit of anger, wherefore God placed it in us. View quote
John Chrysostom
I do not think there are many among Bishops that will be saved, but many more that perish. View quote
John Chrysostom
What good is it if the Eucharistic table is overloaded with golden chalices when your brother is dying of hunger. Start by satisfying his hunger and then with what is left you may adorn the altar as well. (John Chrysostom)
And should you hear any one in the public thoroughfare, or in the midst of the forum, blaspheming God; go up to him and rebuke him; and should it be necessary to inflict blows, spare not to do so. Smite him on the face; strike his mouth; sanctify thy hand with the blow... View quote
John Chrysostom
Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward & learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude. View quote
John Chrysostom
Prayer is the root, the fountain, the mother of a thousand blessings. View quote
John Chrysostom
This is the rule of most perfect Christianity, its most exact definition, its highest point, namely, the seeking of the common good ... for nothing can so make a person an imitator of Christ as caring for neighbors. View quote
John Chrysostom