Ask A Father

Q: St. John Chrysostom, what was it like giving homilies in your day?

A: "If his sermon does not match the great expectation formed of the speaker, he will leave the pulpit the victim of countless jeers and complaints. No one ever takes into consideration that a fit of depression may cloud the clarity of his mind, and prevent his production from coming forth unalloyed....Being a man he cannot invariably reach the same standard or always be successful but will naturally make many mistakes and obviously fall below the standards of his real ability. People are unwilling to allow for any of these factors...but criticize him as if they were sitting in judgment on an angel."

.....okay. I think maybe somebody needs a nap!