In a message given to Christians living in Antioch during the 4th century at a time of great social and political crisis, John Chrysostom reminds them:
“If you are a Christian, no earthly city is yours. Of our city, ‘The Builder and Maker is God.’ Though we may gain possession of the whole world, we are still but immigrants and foreigners in it all. We are enrolled in heaven: Our citizenship is there! Let us not, after the manner of little children, despise things that are great and admire those which are little! Not our city’s greatness, but virtue of soul is our ornament and defense.”1
Beloved, read this once again. Ask, for what city do I truly live? What do my words and actions reveal, even during this time of crisis? How does my treatment of the vulnerable or hurting serve as a signpost to the city whose Builder and Maker is God?
1. Homily “On Statues,” 17.12. For details surrounding the crisis see Douglas B. Radke, paper, “John Chrysostom, On the statues : a study in crisis rhetoric” (1988).
