Better a prisoner for Christ than an angel; Angel: Day 114

Last updated on: November 12, 2016 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

Better a prisoner for Christ than an angel; Angel: Day 114 2016-11-06T22:49:36-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

It sounds crazy, says St. John Chrysostom, but a Christian would rather be a prisoner with Paul than be transformed into an angel in Heaven. Suffering for Christ is the greatest privilege a Christian can ever know.

Yes, to everyone else it seems like folly that to suffer dishonor is to be counted worthy, that to suffer dishonor is to rejoice. But to those who understand the love of Christ, this is what counts as the most blessed thing of all!

If anyone offered me the choice of all Heaven or that chain, I’d prefer the chain. If anyone asked whether he should put me up on high with the angels or with Paul in his shackles, I’d choose the prison. If anyone could change me either into one of those powers that are in Heaven all around the throne, or into a pris- oner like Paul, I’d choose to be the prisoner.

Nothing is more blessed than that chain. If only I could be in that very spot right now—they say the shackles are still there—to see and admire those men for their love of Christ! If only I could see the chains at which the devils fear and tremble, but which the angels reverence!

Nothing is more noble than to suffer any evil for Christ’s sake. –St. John Chrysostom, Homily 8 on Ephesians

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

What opportunities to suffer for Christ have I passed up recently?

CLOSING PRAYER

Guardian angel, teach me to prefer God’s presence to everything, every comfort in creation. Holy Apostle St. Paul, intercede for me, that I may be attentive to the angels, as you were, and that they may lead me to heaven, as they led you.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.

A Year with the Angels

Mike Aquilina

Saint Benedict Press

Saint John Chrysostom

Previous Post

November 11, 2016

It's good to be human; Angels: Day 113

Next Post

November 13, 2016 Satan presents himself before the Lord; Angels: Day 115

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz