Vigils Reading – 6th Sun Ordinary Time

THE CROWNS OF VICTORY

From a commentary by St John Chrysostom1

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Only Christians have a true sense of values, their joys and sorrows are not

the same as other people’s. The sight of a wounded boxer wearing a victor’s

crown would make someone ignorant of the games think only of the boxer’s

wounds and how painful they must be. Such a person would know nothing of the

happiness the crown gives. And it is the same when people see the things we

suffer without knowing why we do so. It naturally seems to them to be suffering

pure and simple. They see us struggling and facing danger, but beyond their

vision are the rewards, the crowns of victory – all we hope to gain through the

contest!

When Paul said. We possess nothing, and yet we have everything, what

did he mean by “everything”? Wealth of both the earthly and the spiritual order.

Did he not possess every earthly gift when whole cities received him as an angel,

when people were ready to pluck out their eyes for him, or bare their neck to the

sword? But if you would think of spiritual blessings, you will see that it was in

these above all that he was rich. The King of the universe and Lord of angels

loved him so much that he shared his secrets with him. Did he not surpass all

others in wealth then? Did he not possess all things? Had it been otherwise,

demons would not have been subject to him, nor sickness and suffering put to

flight by his presence.

We too, then. when we suffer anything for Christ’s sake, should do so not

only with courage, but even with joy. If we have to go hungry, let us be glad as if

we were at a banquet. If we are insulted, let us be elated as though we had been

showered with praises. If we lose all we possess, let us consider ourselves the

gainers. If we provide for the poor, let us regard ourselves as the recipients.

Anyone who does not give in this way will find it difficult to give at all. So when

you wish to distribute alms. Do not think only of what you are giving away; think

rather of what you are gaining, for your gain will exceed your loss.

And not only in the matter of almsgiving, but also with every virtue you

practice: do not think of the painful effort involved, but of the sweetness of the

reward; and above all remember that your struggles are for the sake of our Lord

Jesus Christ. Then you will easily rise above them, and live out your whole

lifetime in happiness; for nothing brings more happiness than a good

conscience.