The always-reliable and alert Amy Welborn, over at Charlotte Was Both, has reminded us that today is the feast of St. John Chrysostom — his last name meaning “golden mouth,” celebrated for his gift for preaching. She quotes from today’s Office of Readings, which gives a small glimpse at his remarkable talent:

If Christ is with me, whom shall I fear? Though the waves and the sea and the anger of princes are roused against me, they are less to me than a spider’s web. Indeed, unless you, my brothers, had detained me, I would have left this very day. For I always say “Lord, your will be done”; not what this fellow or that would have me do, but what you want me to do. That is my strong tower, my immovable rock, my staff that never gives way. If God wants something, let it be done! If he wants me to stay here, I am grateful. But wherever he wants me to be, I am no less grateful.

Yet where I am, there you are too, and where you are, I am. For we are a single body, and the body cannot be separated from the head nor the head from the body. Distance separates us, but love unites us, and death itself cannot divide us. For though my body die, my soul will live and be mindful of my people.

You are my fellow citizens, my fathers, my brothers, my sons, my limbs, my body. You are my light, sweeter to me than the visible light. For what can the rays of the sun bestow on me that is comparable to your love? The sun’s light is useful in my earthly life, but your love is fashioning a crown for me in the life to come.

There’s a very good link right here that can tell you more about the good saint’s life and work.

One of my most vivid memories of St. John is the liturgy that bears his name. It is one of the oldest rites still consistently celebrated — maybe, even, the oldest — in the Church, and is a cornerstone of the Eastern Rite Catholic Church. I had the good fortune of attending this liturgy a couple years ago during my diaconate formation.

It’s a very different experience from what we know in the Latin Rite, with a lot of incense, singing, chanting and prayerful action conducted behind screen doors. The deacon has a prominent role, too. You can read more about it at this link. Some of the prayers are just beautiful:

Cry out with joy to God all the earth, O sing to the glory of His name, O render Him glorious praise.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Savior, save us.

Say to God: How Tremendous Your deeds! Because of the greatness of Your strength Your enemies cringe before You.

Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Savior, save us.

Before You all the earth shall bow; shall sing to You, sing to Your name, O Most High!

Through the prayers of the Mother of God O Savior, save us.