From a homily on the first letter to the Corinthians by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop, on the Feast of St. Bartholomew, apostle:
It was clear through unlearned men that the Cross was persuasive, in fact, it persuaded the whole world. Their discourse was not of unimportant matters but of God and true religion, of the Gospel way of life and future judgment, yet it turned plain, uneducated men into philosophers. How the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and his weakness stronger than men!
In what way is it stronger? It made its way throughout the world and overcame all men; countless men sought to eradicate the very name of the Crucified, but that name flourished and grew even mightier. ... The good deeds that tax-collectors and fishermen were able to accomplish by God's grace, the philosophers, the rulers, the countless multitudes cannot even imagine.
It is very clear that today's powers-that-be are once again trying "to eradicate the very name of the Crucified." Let us pledge that we will never allow the Holy Name of Jesus to be erased from our hearts. The more He is despised by "the mighty", the more we will love Him. After all, holy Baptism has put the indelible mark of Christ's Holy Spirit on our souls!
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
