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From
a homily by Saint John Chrysostom
Life to me means Christ, and
death is gain
 he
waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning,
for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock.
Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus. What are we to fear?
Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Exile? The earth
and its fullness belong to the Lord. The confiscation of goods? We
brought nothing into this world, and we shall surely take nothing from it.
 I have
only contempt for the world’s threats, I find its blessings
laughable. I have no fear of poverty, no desire for wealth. I am not afraid
of death nor do I long to live, except for your good. I concentrate therefore
on the present situation, and I urge you, my friends, to have
confidence.
Do you not hear the Lord saying:
Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in their midst?
Will He be absent, then, when so many people united in love are gathered
together? I have His promise; I am surely not going to rely on my own strength!
I have what He has written; that is my staff, my security, my peaceful harbor.
Let the world be in upheaval. I hold to His promise and read His message;
that is my protecting wall and garrison. What message? Know that I am
with you always, until the end of the world!
—Saint John Chrysostom,
bishop
Office of Readings, September 13
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