We must be concerned for the children's good

Treasures of Our Faith with Deacon Richard Vehige

Today, November 18, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Rose Philippine Duchesne, we are invited to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul, to the Corinthians (12: 31—13: 13), entitled “The primacy of charity”. Our treasure, which follows, is from a homily on the Gospel of Matthew by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop.

St. John Chrysostom was born at Antioch about the year 349. After an extensive education he embraced a life of acetism. He was ordained a priest and distinguished himself by his preaching which achieved great spiritual results among hearers. He was elected Bishop of Constantinoble in 397 and proved himself a capable pastor, committed to reforming the life of the clergy and the faithful. Twice he was forced into exile by the hatred of the imperial court and the envy of his enemies. After he had completed his difficult labors, he died at Comana in Pontus on September 14, 407. His preaching and writing explained Catholic doctrine and presented the ideal Christian life. For this reason, he is called Chrysostom, or Golden Mouth.

The position of the Gospel according to Matthew as the first of the four gospels in the New Testament reflects both the view that it was the first to be written, a view that goes back to the late second century A.D., and the esteem in which it was held by the church; no other was so frequently quoted in the noncanonical literature of earliest Christianity. Although the majority of scholars now reject the opinion about the time of its composition, the high estimation of this work remains. The reason for that becomes clear upon study of the way in which Matthew presents his story of Jesus, the demands of Christian discipleship, and the breaking-in of the new and final age through the ministry but particularly through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul warns against divisions within the Church and emphasizes the importance of unity among Church members. He warns members against sexual immorality, teaches that the body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, and encourages self-discipline.