Hypocrisy is one of the things Jesus criticizes most in the Pharisees and Scribes. They lord their faith over others. They are always so quick to criticize others and judge them. But, in the midst of their arrogant attitude, they fail to look at themselves and their own shortcomings. We need good examples of faith to help us on our journey. We need those who will nurture us and guide us, rather than criticize us and lead us astray. John Chrysostom is considered one of the most important Early Church Fathers. He was born around the year 349 in Antioch, an ancient Greek city that is located in modern-day Turkey. As a young adult, he became an anchorite in the mountains surrounding Antioch. An anchorite is a type of hermit who separates himself from the world, who devotes his life to prayer and love of the Eucharist. However, John was eventually ordained as a priest when he returned form the wilderness due to poor health. John Chrysostom became an important theologian, liturgist, and preacher as the Archbishop of Constantinople, one of the most important centers of Christianity in the Early Church. He was named a Doctor of the Church in 1568 and is known as one of the four Great Greek Fathers of the faith, along with St Basil the Great, St Athanasius, and St Gregory of Nazianzus. The outspoken nature of St John Chrysostom and his direct honesty made him many enemies. However, he is revered to this day in our Church for his great contributions to our faith. He has many wonderful, profound quotes. One of his quotes I particularly like is this: “We pray not to inform God or instruct God, but to become intimate with him.” He also said: “A comprehended god is no god.” Lord, we pray to you for help with our hypocrisy, for the way we judge our brothers and sisters, for the way we do not want to see our own faults. Please guide us on the right path.
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