John Chrysostom on Scripture

Today John Chrysostom (c. 347-407) is remembered in the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches (his feast day is Nov 13 in Eastern Orthodox tradition). Known for his impressive rhetorical skills (chrysostom  means "golden-tongued" in Greek), many of his sermons and homilies have been preserved. Here are a few of his comments about Scripture excerpted from a larger set of quotations compiled by Eugenia Constantinou (University of San Diego).

On the importance of learning the Psalms in childhood:

"For whatsoever soil the plant stands in, such is the fruit it bears; if in a sandy and salty soil, of like nature is its fruit; if in a sweet and rich one, it is again similar. So the matter of instruction is a sort of fountain. Teach him to sing those psalms which are so full of the love of wisdom. When in these you have led him on from childhood, by little and little you will lead him forward even to the higher things"  (Hom. IX  On Colossians) 

On the Bible as a resource for facing the challenges of life:

"Listen, I entreat you, all that are careful for this life, and  procure books that will be medicines for the soul…get  at least the New Testament, the Apostolic Epistles, the Acts, the Gospels, for your constant teachers. If grief befalls you, dive into them as into a chest of medicines; take from there comfort for your trouble, be it loss, or death, or bereavement of relations; or rather do not merely dive into them but take them wholly to yourself, keeping them in your mind."  (Hom. IX  On Colossians)

The above two excerpts are a reminder and encouragement to children's Sunday School teachers (as a new Sunday School year begins) and religious educators of all kinds: what you are doing matters in the lives of the children and young adults you teach.

The next quote is a reminder and a challenge to all of us as adults (and especially as theologians and biblical scholars) to be aware that in changing times and contexts, the Bible may be brought to bear in fresh and innovative ways as it is considered from new angles.

On the inexhaustible nature of the Scriptures: 

"It is not possible, I say not possible, ever to exhaust the mind of the Scriptures. It is a well which has no bottom." (Hom. XIX On Acts)

And accordingly Christians have believed that Scripture is a resource that has value and applicability in every age. In this case, through the words of John Chrysostom we are reminded of the importance of good theological reflection from childhood through adulthood.