John Chrysostom
Preacher and later bishop of Constantinople whose homilies attend closely to Scripture, pastoral care, poverty, and the responsibilities of clergy.
Historical context
His criticism of wealth and powerful interests formed part of his conflict and exile; the traditional liturgy bearing his name developed through a longer history.
Key points
- On the Priesthood examines the moral and teaching burdens of ministry.
- His homilies are best read in their scriptural and pastoral setting, not as isolated slogans.
Scripture
- Hebrews 13:17 — A passage cited in his reflection on pastoral responsibility.
Primary sources
Chrysostom writes in On the Priesthood:
Chrysostom describes priestly responsibility as a demanding public witness.
The soul of the Priest should shine like a light beaming over the whole world.
Passage context and translation
Chrysostom is explaining why he feared the priestly office. The sentence is a standard he immediately contrasts with his own sense of unworthiness, not self-praise.
Before the excerpt
And do you not yet tremble to introduce a soul into so sacred a mystery of this kind
After the excerpt
But mine has so great darkness overhanging it, because of my evil conscience