When the Word Takes Root: Lessons from St. John Chrysostom

Today’s Homily occurs on the Feast of St. John Chrysostom . . .

. . . and connects the Gospel parable of the Sower with the saint’s life and mission.

The parable illustrates that the Word of God is abundantly sown, yet its fruitfulness depends on the disposition of the hearer . . . whether hardened, shallow, distracted, or open and rich soil.

St. John Chrysostom is presented as an example of “good soil”: rooted deeply in prayer, scripture, and surrender before bearing abundant fruit through eloquent preaching, pastoral reform, and courageous witness. His fearless proclamation, even against imperial power and corrupt clergy, led to exile and suffering, yet his words continued to strengthen the Church.

Remembered as the “Golden Mouth,” his lasting fruitfulness demonstrates that true preaching flows from a heart firmly rooted in Christ.

The Homily concludes by reminding the faithful that Christ, the Divine Sower, continues to sow himself in the Eucharist, and each believer is called to cultivate soil that allows his Word to take deep root and bear lasting fruit.

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When the Word Takes Root: Lessons from St. John Chrysostom
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Art Work

The Byzantine emperor Nicephorus III receives a book of homilies from John Chrysostom; the Archangel Michael stands on his left (11th-century illuminated manuscript):

Used with permission from Wikipedia.