Christ The Wanderer

[BarbTherese]

http://dailygospel.org/main.php?language=AM&module=commentary&localdate=20160925&id=4255

Saint John Chrysostom (c.345-407), priest at Antioch then Bishop of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church
Homilies on Saint Matthew's gospel, no. 50, 3-4

Recognising the poor Christ

       Do you want to show honor to Christ's Body? Don't despise it when it is naked. Don't honor it with silks here in the church while outside you leave it shivering with cold and naked. For he who said: “This is my body” (Mt 26,26), ratifying it with his words, is the same who said: “You saw me hungry and gave me no food” and also: “What you did not do for one of these little ones, you did not do for me” (Mt 25,42.45). Here Christ's body has no need of clothing but of souls that are pure; there it needs plenty of care... God has no need of golden vessels but of golden hearts.

I don't say this to stop you making religious donations, but I hold that at the same time – and even beforehand – alms should be made... What profit is there in Christ's table being covered with golden vessels while he himself is dying of hunger? Begin by feeding the hungry and, with what remains, decorate his altar. Are you going to fashion a golden chalice but not give “a cup of cold water”? (Mt 10,42)...

Think, too, that it is a question of Christ as he goes about, a wanderer, a stranger, without shelter. Whereas you, who failed to welcome him, decorate the floor, the walls, the capitals of the pillars! You fix up lamps with silver chains but don't care to notice how he is chained up in prison. I'm not saying this to hold you back from carrying out such deeds of generosity, but I beg you to accompany them – or rather, precede them – with these other charitable works...

Therefore, when you decorate the church,

don't forget your brother in distress since he is a temple and more precious than anything.