Always speak the words of light

With seemingly never-ending revelations of ministerial misconduct, today’s feast of Saint John Chrysostom is a sight for sore eyes. The eminent fourth-century preacher and teacher—whose name is a transliteration of the Greek for “golden mouth”—was surely a product of his day. But he was also guided by the Holy Spirit, who inspired him to be baptized as an adult and denounce corruption in the church while serving as a priest and later as archbishop of Constantinople. As we remember his legacy today, let’s take courage to also stand for truth and against all that dishonors the call of the gospel. MEMORIAL OF JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH