Sep 13 – Memorial for St. John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor
John’s (347-407) father died when he was young, and he was raised by a very pious mother. It was for his sermons that John earned the title ‘Chrysostom’ (golden-mouthed). They were always on point, they explained the scriptures with clarity, and they sometimes went on for hours.
As bishop, he criticised the rich for not sharing their wealth, fought to reform the clergy, prevented the sale of ecclesiastical offices, called for fidelity in marriage, and encouraged practices of justice and charity. St. John’s sermons caused nobles and bishops to work to remove him from his diocese; twice, he was exiled from his diocese. He was proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 451.
- Patron Saint Index
Col 3:1-11
Lk 6:20-26
“How happy are you who are poor…”
“Do you want to be rich and be condemned or be poor and have eternal life in Heaven?” As Christians, I wonder what our answer would be. For those of us that didn’t have very much when we were growing up, I guess the answer is clear. Why should we continue to be deprived of the things that most of our friends have? The latest gadget, that nice looking watch, that limited edition pair of sneakers. Or even the chance to go on holiday whenever we feel like it. It would certainly be nice to be rich.
But the lessons I learnt while growing up without very much, made me who I am today. I will always remember my mum’s monthly salary of $800, and with that, she put my brother and myself through school, gave us a permanent place to live and also ensured that we did not go hungry.
This resilience and determination, as demonstrated by my mum and learnt by me, cannot be taught in schools or by management gurus. Looking back, I know she really struggled. From the cushy life of a ‘tai tai’ to one where she had to find odd jobs; from owning many things to having almost nothing as she had to sell a lot of our possessions. We lived through all of that. We all had to learn to rely on one another, to not be a burden to others and live within our means. But even though we had nothing, we had our faith. My mum ensured that my brother and I went to Novena on Saturdays and to mass on Sundays. She instilled in us a devotion to Our Lady, and I am very certain that Our Lady interceded on our behalf that we were kept safe, healthy and nothing untoward happened to us.
I realised from those times, that although we didn’t have much, there were always angels around. In secondary school, I had a senior that shared his blessings. He always paid for our lunches and drinks. He refused to take our money and all he wanted was just for us to say, “thank you”. This taught me that we ought to share our blessings with those that have not.
There were also angels that introduced holiday jobs to me. Once, a poly classmate got some of us to be ‘hole-in-one’ witnesses. All we had to do was to sit by a par 3 green on a golf course and be a witness should some golfer make a ‘hole in one’ during those games. The job paid well and helped to alleviate some of the costs in school. I learnt to appreciate that we should help those who are in need and not to keep such ‘lobangs’ or opportunities to ourselves. Sharing is caring.
The scriptures are also full of stories that it is the poor that will enjoy God’s favour. In Lk 18:25, we hear about how much easier it is for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. In Mk 12:43, we also hear about the widow who pleased God by offering 2 small coins.
But is it only the materially poor that God favours? I believe that God also favours those among us who are spiritually poor. When we are spiritually poor (and I am still here in this state), I know that I want to improve on that. I want to be able to trust in God more, to deepen my relationship with Him and to discern more about His will for me. How can I do that?
Perhaps, it is to use the resilience and determination that He has given me, to continue to seek Him out; to trust that even in the silence, He is there holding me, leading me on the right path. This may or may not lead me to gain material riches, but I know that if I have God’s love in my heart, and that I am able to show and give that love to my neighbour — then I am the richest person in the world.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Calvin Wee)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for all our life experiences and for those times that You held our hands to navigate through those difficult times. Help us to always search you out, even though we may be distracted with worldly things. Help us to always focus on you. Amen
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, thank you for those angels that You send our way. Thank you for the dryness in our hearts that make us yearn for You and to search You out. Thank you for loving me. Amen
OXYGEN 
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