This is a re-posting of a nugget that is already in the long post below. Lest it be missed, because it is of such power, I am posting it here again. Savor it...
"Do not tell me then, that so and so hath done me grievous mischief, but just consider what Christ did near the Cross itself,wishing to amend by His kiss the traitor by whom He was on the point of being betrayed. And see with how much power to shame him. For He says, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?" (ib. 48.) Who is there He would not have softened? who is there that this address would not have made yielding? What beast? what adamant? yet not that wretched man. Do not then say, that such an one murdered such an one, and that is why I turn aside from him. For even if he were upon the point of thrusting a sword down into thee, and to plunge his hand into thy neck itself, kiss this very right hand! since even Christ kissed that mouth which wrought His death! And therefore do not thou either hate, but bewail and pity him that plotteth against thee. For such an one deserveth pity at our hands, and tears. For we are the servants of Him Who kissed even the traitor (I will not leave off dwelling over that continually), and spoke words unto him more gentle than the kiss."
Monday, March 16, 2009
Chrysostom on Personal Safety
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3 comments:
You cannot make this stuff up. How glorious.
"For we are the servants of Him Who kissed even the traitor (I will not leave off dwelling over that continually)..."
Nor will I, John. I think this might be the very best of Chrysostom.
Hey, I said that...
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