Love and Virtue – From “Leaves from St. John Chrysostom” by Saint John Chrysostom (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Let us start with excerpts from “Leaves from St. John Chrysostom” by Saint John Chrysostom (vegetarian), translated by Mary H. Allies. In Chapter 7, he advocates for moderation and self-control, focusing on spiritual growth over physical indulgence. In Chapter 9, he highlights that true Christian living is shown through good deeds, reflecting love for God and others.

“The love, indeed, which is born of Christ is strong and enduring and invincible, and nothing has power to dissolve it --neither calumnies, nor dangers, nor death, nor any other of these things whatsoever. If a man who thus loves should suffer in a thousand ways, contemplating that on which love rests, he stands unmoved. […]

On this account a man who loves for Our Lord’s sake does not enquire about family, or country, or riches, or demand love in return: he concerns himself about none of these things, but even if he be hated, or despised, or destroyed, he still loves, because his affection is built on a strong foundation -- Christ. Hence he stands firm, steadfast, immutable, with his eyes on Our Lord.

So it was that Christ loved His enemies -- harsh men, scoffers, blasphemers, haters, those who wished not even to see Him, those who preferred stones and wood to His love, and He loved them with the charity from above, in comparison with which there is no other charity to be found. For, He says, no man hath greater charity than this, that he gives his life for his friends. See how loving He ceases not to be towards the very men who crucified Him and reviled Him. He even spoke for them to His Father, saying, Forgive them, for they know not what they do. And, later on, He charged His disciples with those same men. Let us, then, be zealous for this same charity, and strive to possess it, that, being made the imitators of Christ, we may enjoy both present and future good things by the grace and tenderness of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

“What is it which approves our life? Is it the manifestation of wonders or an irreproachable conduct? Clearly it is the latter; for the reason which calls forth signs belongs to this world, and they cease in the next. The man who gives an example of a good life draws this charity upon himself; and he who shines by charity shines in this way, in order that he may correct the life of others.”