We have found the Messiah

Treasures of Our Faith with Deacon Richard Vehige

Today, November 30, as our church celebrates the Feast of Andrew, Apostle, our Church invites us to read reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians (1: 18---2: 5), entitled “The apostles proclaim the message of the cross”. Our treasure, which follows, is from a homily on the Gospel of John by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop.

Saint Andrew, born at Bethsaida, was a disciple of John the Baptist before he became a follower of Christ, to whom he also brought his brother Peter. With Philip he presented the Gentiles to Christ and, before the miracle in the desert, he pointed out to Christ the boy carrying the loaves and the fishes. After Pentecost he preached the Gospel in many lands and was put to death by crucifixion at Achaia.

Saint John Chrysostom was an important, fourth century, Early Church Father who served as Archbishop of Constantinople. He is known for his preaching and public speaking, and for his denunciation of abuse of authority of both ecclesiastical and political leaders. He was among the most prolific authors in the early Christian church. The word ’Chrysostom’ means ‘golden-mounted’. This name was given to him after he died because all his sermons were eloquent and lovely to hear.

Saint John Chrysostom's homiletical works are vast, including many hundreds of homilies on both the New Testament (especially the works of Saint Paul) and the Old Testament (particularly on Genesis). He gave 88 homilies on the Gospel of St. John alone.

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.