Weekday

A reading from
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM 2
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[Christ’s] predictions were of two kinds. Some are to be fulfilled in the
present life; others will come true after the consummation of the world. But the
first kind confirmed the second and gave abundant proof that the prophecies
about the world to come are also true. Let me give you an example and, by that
example, I shall try to clear up any obscurity in what I mean. When only twelve
disciples followed him, neither the reality nor even the name of a Church
occurred to anyone. The synagogue was still flourishing. Why, then, did he
speak of the Church and predict it at a time when practically the whole world
was in the grip of godlessness? “Upon this rock I shall build my Church, and the
gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.

Put this prediction of Christ to whatever test you wish and you will see
that its truth shines brightly forth. For it is a marvel not only that he built the
Church throughout the world but that he kept it unconquered even though it
was harassed by so many assaults. The words: “The gates of hell shall not
prevail against it,” mean the dangers which beget death, the dangers which lead
us down to hell.

Do you not see that this prediction came true? Do you not see the strength
of its fulfillment? Do you not see the words shining forth as proved in the light
of the facts? Do you not see his invincible power which does all things with
ease? Because the words are few — “I will build my Church” — do not simply
pass over them. Ponder them in your mind.

Think how great a thing it is to fill every land under the sun with so many
Churches in so short a time. Think what it means to have converted so many
nations, to have won over so many peoples, to have destroyed ancestral
customs, to have torn out deep-rooted habits, to have driven out, like dust
before the wind, the tyrannous rule of pleasure and the power and strength of
evil. People have destroyed their old altars, temples, idols, and rites. They have
destroyed their accursed festivals and made the unclean savor of victims
disappear like smoke.

They have raised up new altars everywhere… That word which Christ
spoke in his own day has been planted in the souls of all men and is found on the
lips of all. It is just as if land that was filled with thorns has been cleansed and
become a cleared field. And this field has received the seeds of godliness.

2 Demonstration Against the Pagans That Christ is God. Trans. Paul W. Harkins, Fathers of the Church Series, vol. 73.
Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 1985, pp. 238-239.