Church Fathers, Day 179: St. John Chrysostom warns us to not be like Herod

Don’t be like Herod!

Herod told the Magi he wanted to worship the infant Christ—but really he wanted to kill a potential rival. We do the same, says St. John Chrysostom, if we approach the Eucharist unworthily.

But be careful not to be like Herod, and say, “that I too may come and worship him,” but when you have come be planning to murder him.

For those who partake of the mysteries unworthily resemble Herod—as it is said, they “will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corin­thians 11:27).

They have in themselves the tyrant who is grieved at Christ’s Kingdom, and who is even more wicked than old Herod: I mean Mammon. For he wants the power, and sends those who belong to him to worship in appearance, but murder­ing while they worship.

Then let us take care that, while we have the appearance of suppliants and worshipers, we do not in fact show ourselves to be the opposite.

–St. John Chrysostom, Homily 7 on Matthew, 6

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

What do I need to do—what sins do I need to confess—before I go to Mass the next time?

CLOSING PRAYER

Sovereign Lord our God, do not condemn me, though I am stained with a multitude of sins. I come to your heavenly mystery, not as one who is worthy, but trusting only in your good­ness. God be merciful to me, a sinner.

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