Saturday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time – Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

📖 Readings

  • 1 Timothy 1:15–17

  • Psalm 113:1b–2, 3–4, 5 and 6, 7

  • Luke 6:43–49



🕊️ Introduction

Today’s Gospel challenges us with the image of the tree and its fruits. Jesus reminds us that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. In the end, our lives are measured not by appearances or empty words, but by the fruits of love, justice, and mercy that flow from our hearts. To live on a strong foundation is to hear the Word of God and put it into practice. Anything less is like building on sand—fragile, temporary, and easily washed away.

St. John Chrysostom, whom we celebrate today, embodied this truth. Known as the “golden-mouthed preacher,” he did not simply preach eloquent words but lived them boldly. He spoke truth to power, defended the poor, and reminded the Church that faith without action is hollow. His life was not easy; his convictions cost him exile and suffering. Yet his foundation in Christ was unshaken.

The first reading from St. Paul echoes this: Christ came to save sinners. Paul himself, once a persecutor, was transformed into an apostle because of God’s boundless mercy. If Paul could be changed, so can we. The psalm lifts our hearts to praise the God who raises the lowly and sets them on firm ground.

This Jubilee Year and Synod on Synodality call us to check the fruits of our faith. Do our communities reflect patience, love, and mercy? Do we listen deeply and act justly? Or do we remain shallow, satisfied with appearances?

🙋 Reflection Questions

  1. What kind of fruit is my life producing today?

  2. Am I building my life on the rock of Christ, or on the shifting sands of convenience?

  3. How can I imitate St. John Chrysostom in speaking truth with courage and love?

🌱 Implications for Daily Living

  • Let us strive to unite our words with actions, ensuring that our witness to Christ is authentic.

  • Build strong foundations by daily prayer, sacraments, and works of mercy.

  • Be courageous in faith, even if it costs us comfort or acceptance.

✨ Inspiration / Motivation

St. John Chrysostom reminds us:
"It is not enough to leave Egypt; one must also enter the Promised Land."
In other words, it is not enough to say we believe—we must live our faith with conviction.

🙏 Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You are my rock and my foundation.
Help me to build my life on Your Word
and bear fruits of love, mercy, and justice.

Through the intercession of St. John Chrysostom,
make me bold in speaking truth,
humble in serving others,
and faithful in following You.

May my life today
be a testimony of Your grace
and a fruit that nourishes the world.

Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
Homily for the Feast of Saint James, Apostle   🌟 Theme: "Called to Share the Cup: Witness, Sacrifice, and Glory" Readings: First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Psalm: 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6 Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28 📍 Introduction  A priest was explaining to his catechism class that apostles were not superheroes but ordinary men with extraordinary missions. A little boy interrupted: “Father, if they weren’t superheroes, why did Jesus pick guys with names like James the Greater and James the Lesser? Was that like Batman and Robin?” The class laughed—and the priest chuckled too. “No, my child, it just meant that one was probably older or taller!” This reminds us that God uses ordinary people, not perfect or powerful ones, to do great things—people like James, whose feast we celebrate today. 📖 The Word of God 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 speaks of "treasures in jars of clay"—how the glorious message of the Gospel is carried by fragile, fallible human beings...
Read more
Image
  Pope Leo XIV: A New Chapter of Hope and Courage for the Church By Fr. Mathibela Sebothoma Photo: Deadline In a moment charged with quiet reverence and global anticipation, the white smoke rose over St. Peter’s Square—Habemus Papam. The conclave of cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., as the 267th successor of Saint Peter. He has chosen the name Leo XIV , signaling both continuity with the Church’s past and a renewed commitment to mission in our complex and fractured world. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV is a son of the Americas—North and South. His life has been marked by a deep missionary spirit, intellectual depth, and a pastoral heart. Raised in a devout Catholic family of French-Canadian heritage, he entered the Order of St. Augustine in 1977, professed his first vows the following year, and was ordained a priest in 1982. Educated at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and later awarded a Doctorate in Canon L...
Read more
Image
Homily for Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle II) : 📖 Readings: First Reading : Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15 — God provides manna and quail to feed His people in the wilderness. Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28 — “The Lord gave them bread from heaven.” Gospel : Matthew 13:1-9 — The Parable of the Sower. ✨ “God Provides — Will You Receive?” 👋 Introduction: Today God reminds us of something fundamental: He feeds His people. Whether in the desert or in the Gospel message, God’s care is constant. The real challenge is not whether God provides, but whether we are ready to receive, to trust, and to grow. 😂 Humorous Story: There is a funny story of a man who prayed: “Lord, please give me patience… and I need it RIGHT NOW!” That’s a little like us: we want quick solutions, instant signs, and easy answers. But God, in His wisdom, teaches us to trust His timing and to receive His Word daily, like manna—just enough for today. 📜 Exegesis ...
Read more