Remember that you sing in the angelic choir; Angels: Day 353

Remember that you sing in the angelic choir; Angels: Day 353 July 11, 2017

angels_john_chrysostom_2In the time of St. John Chrysostom, popular entertainment had become notoriously immoral,  depending on sex and violence for most  of  its effect. (Fortunately, that was all 1,600 years ago.) Chrysostom  challenges his flock to put an end to the sin on the stage, but by not giving them any business.

Then let’s pull down the stage, they say. I wish it were that simple—or, rather, if you were willing, as far as I’m concerned, it would be pulled down and dug up. But since these places are standing, let’s prevent them from having any effect. That would be a greater praise than pulling them down.

At least imitate the barbarians, if no one else. They are completely free of such entertainment. Then what excuse do we have—we, the citizens of Heaven, and partners in the choirs of the Seraphim, and in fellowship with the angels? We make ourselves worse than the barbarians in this respect—and that when we have countless better pleasures within our reach.

If you want to delight your soul, go out to the park. Sit by a flowing river, or by a lake. Visit the gardens. Listen to the grasshoppers singing. Stay by the tombs of the martyrs, where there is health of body and benefit of soul, and no pain and no remorse after the pleasure, as there is on the stage. –St. John Chrysostom, Homily 37 on Matthew

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

How do my choices in entertainment sit with the angels who surround me?

CLOSING PRAYER

Holy angels, lead my mind and heart to the light by virtue of the holy Blood of Christ.


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