golden souls
Chrysostom, Matthew Homily 50, Homily 50 on Matthew, section 4
St. John Chrysostom’s fiftieth homily on Matthew asks his hearers to consider the honor they offer Christ. He speaks about the Lord’s body in the Eucharist and about Christ encountered in the needy person. Reverence in worship must have a corresponding concern for the person who lacks food or clothing. The homily keeps both before the congregation. Chrysostom, Matthew Homily 50, Homily 50 on Matthew, section 4
Chrysostom explicitly says he is not forbidding offerings for the church. He asks that almsgiving accompany them and receive priority. We should preserve that qualification. The passage gives no reason to dismiss sacred worship or all adornment; it does require examining neglect of a person whose need is close at hand. Chrysostom, Matthew Homily 50, Homily 50 on Matthew, section 4
Christ’s account of the judgment names feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked and visiting the sick and imprisoned. He identifies service to the least of His brethren with service to Himself. The concrete needs in that passage underlie Chrysostom’s appeal. We cannot replace them with admiration for generosity alone. Matthew 25:31-46
An appropriate response begins with noticing a need and considering what help can responsibly be given. Food, clothing or assistance through the parish may answer it. These are applications of the Gospel’s named acts, rather than a new rule about every church expenditure. The person needing help should remain present in our deliberation. Matthew 25:31-46
As we come to worship, this homily asks us to remember whom we honor. Reverence for Christ can direct us toward the neighbor Christ names. The response need not become a public demonstration: it should become an actual deed of care. Chrysostom’s appeal allows prayer and almsgiving to search the same life. Chrysostom, Matthew Homily 50, Homily 50 on Matthew, section 4
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Chrysostom, Matthew Homily 50. Source. Translated by George Prevost and revised by M.B. Riddle. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 10. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1888.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/200150.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.