Archbishop of Constantinople and Doctor of the Church, called “Golden Mouth” for his preaching.
Life
Saint John Chrysostom was born around 347 in Antioch in Syria. After studying rhetoric he spent some time as a hermit, then was ordained a priest in Antioch, where he became famous for his preaching. Chrysostom means golden-mouthed.
Made archbishop of Constantinople in 398, he reformed the lives of the clergy, cared for the poor and boldly rebuked the luxury of the wealthy and the imperial court. This earned him powerful enemies, and he was sent into exile twice.
He died in 407 while being forced on to a place of exile. The Church remembers this Doctor of the Church on September 13.
Spirituality
John Chrysostom's spirituality is a love that links the Eucharist with the poor. He taught that we must not honor Christ on the altar while ignoring Christ who is naked at the door. He suffered for his courage in speaking the truth, yet tradition says he gave glory to God to the very end.
Reflection
The Christ we receive at Mass we meet again in our neighbor. After Mass this Sunday, would you do one concrete thing for a neighbor in need?