Live a life worthy of your baptism; Church Fathers: Day 138

Last updated on: December 9, 2017 at 1:00 am by Pete Socks

Live a life worthy of your baptism; Church Fathers: Day 138 2017-12-07T20:16:25-05:00 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.

Can people tell that you’re a Christian? St. John Chrysostom says we should live lives that always remind people of what we believe—not to show off, but because our example should be leading others to Christ.

I see many living after their baptism more carelessly than the uninitiated, with nothing special to distinguish them in their way of life. Thus neither in the market nor in the church can you tell quickly who is a believer and who is an unbeliever, unless you are present at the time of the sacrament, and see the one sort put out and the others staying inside.

But they ought to be distinguished not only by their place, but by their way of life. Worldly dignities are shown by the outward signs conferred; ours ought to be discernible by the soul. In other words, the believer ought to be obvious not only by the gift, but also by the new life. The believer ought to be the light and salt of the world,

But when you don’t give light even to yourself or bind up your own infection, what’s left by which we can know you? Because you went into the holy waters? No, this becomes a source of punishment for you. For greatness of honor is an increase of vengeance to those who do not choose to live worthy of the honor.

The believer ought to shine forth not only by what he has received from God, but also by what he has contributed himself. He should be distinguishable by everything—by his walk, by his look, by his clothes, by his voice. And I say this not because we should make a fine display, but because we should always be thinking of the benefit of those who see us. –St. John Chrysostom, Homily 4 on Matthew, 14

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Do I look like a Christian in the supermarket, or even in church?

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, Creator of the universe, lead me to perfection, and make me perfectly worthy of the grace you have given me in my baptism.

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 Church Fathers

Church Fathers

Mike Aquilina

Saint Benedict Press

Saint John Chrysostom

Previous Post

December 8, 2017

God’s mercy works through us; Church Fathers: Day 137

Next Post

December 10, 2017 Hear the silence of Jesus; Church Fathers: Day 139

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