S. Joannis Chrysostomi Episcopi Confessoris et Ecclesiæ Doctoris ~ Duplex

Scriptura: Feria II infra Hebdomadam III post Epiphaniam

Mon, 1/27/25:

Today is the feast of St. John Chrysostom, B, C & D (mtv), under the 1954 (double) and 1962 (III class) rubrics.

Mass: Proper Mass (most from In medio of a doctor). White. Gloria. Gradual/Alleluia. Credo (1954 only; for feasts of doctors). Common Preface. Ite. No commemorations or additional prayers.

Office: Ordinary office. White. Matins of 3 nocturns of 9 lessons (1954)/1 nocturn of 3 lessons (1962; I & II = occurring Scripture [II = II & III combined], III = short hagiography). Psalms and antiphons of the feria. All else from the common of a confessor bishop. Proper collect. No commemorations at Lauds. Omit suffrage (1954). (Source LB236 on Twitter/X.)

Homily by St John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople.
15/A on Matth.
Consider how that the Lord saith: “Ye are the salt of the earth,” by the which figure He showeth what a necessary of life is the Gospel. By this figure, He hath us to know that they unto whom He spake have an account to render, not of their own life only, but for the whole world. Not unto two cities, saith the Lord, nor unto ten, nor unto twenty, nor unto one people, as I sent the Prophets, send I you. But I send you unto every land and sea, even unto the whole world, lying groaning, as it is, under the burden of diverse sins.

These words, “Ye are the salt of the earth,” show unto us the whole nature of man as savourless and stinking with the strong corruption of sin. And therefore demandeth He of His Apostles such qualities as are most needful and useful to the furthering the salvation of many. He that is gentle and lowly, tender and just, shutteth not up all these good things in his own heart, but openeth these bright fountains that they may gush forth for the use of his neighbour. He whose heart is pure, and who seeketh peace, suffering persecution for the truth's sake, doth still lead a life for the good of the commonwealth.

Think not, saith the Lord, that the struggle is easy whereunto ye shall be led, neither shall your reckoning be of light matters. Ye are the salt of the earth. Have ye then salted that which is corrupted? Nay, for it is impossible that that which is once corrupted can be made sound again by the rubbing it with salt. This it is not asked of them to do. But their work is to sprinkle with salt, and to keep fresh thereafter, such things as the Lord hath given over into their charge, and which He Himself hath made new, and freed from all taint, before giving them. To make sound after the corruption of sin, is the work of Christ's power alone; to preserve from falling away again, is the duty and the toil commanded to the Apostles.

Collect
℣. The Lord be with you.
℟. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
May heavenly grace, we beseech You, O Lord, prosper Your Church, which You mercifully enlightened by the blessed virtues and teachings of glorious and blessed John Chrysostom, Your Confessor and Bishop.
Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
℟. Amen.