Commentary on Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist, Homilies 48–88

Homily 67 (John 12.25-33)

226 SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM let us occupy ourselves in good works-I mean in brotherly love and hospitality. And let us make much account of almsgiving that we may attain to the promised blessings by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Glory be to Him forever and ever. Amen. Homily 67 (John 12.25-33) 'He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world keeps it unto life everlasting. If anyone serve me, let him follow me.'l Sweet is the present life and full of great pleasure-not for all, however, but only for those who feel an attachment for it. If a man has his eyes fixed on heaven and keeps looking at the beauties to be discovered there, he will quickly come to despise this life and will consider it of no account. Bodily beauty does indeed inspire admiration, as long as none more fair puts in an appearance; but, when greater comeliness appears, the first is less esteemed. Well, then, in our case likewise, if we habitually keep our gaze fixed on the beauty of heaven, and closely observe the loveliness of the kingdom there, we shall quickly free ourselves of the bonds of the things of this life. For, a feeling of attachment to present things is a kind of manacle. Moreover, listen to what Christ said to persuade us of this: 'He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world keeps it unto life everlasting. If anyone serve me, let him follow me; and where I am there also shall my servant be.' These words seem to be eni~atic. Actually, 'however, they are not obscure, but are full of deep wisdom. But how does 'he who loves his life' lose it? He does so who 1 John 12.25,26. HOMILIES 227 carries out its untoward desires; he who gratifies it more than he ought. That is why Scripture warns us in the words: 'Do not go in the desires of thy soul.'2 If you do, you will lose it (because this conduct is off the road which leads to virtue), just as, contrariwise, therefore-'he who hates it in this world will save it.' 'And what does "he who hates it" mean?' He who does not yield to it when it counsels something harmful. Yet He did not merely say: 'He who does not yield to it,' but: 'He who hates it.' For, just as we cannot bear even to listen to the voice of those we hate, and do not like to see their face, so it is also with our soul; when it enjoins on us things contrary to the good pleasure of God we must vehemently turn away from it. Since He was about to dis~ course to them of death-of His own death-and He foresaw that they would be dejected and downcast, He made a very strong statement: 'What do I say? Unless you bear my death with fortitude? Indeed, unless you yourselves die, there will be no fruit for you.' Moreover, notice how consoling He made His words. It was very hard and depressing to hear that the man who loves his life must perish. Yet, why do I speak of the past, inasmuch as even now we shall find men gladly enduring every kind of suffering, for the sake of enjoying this present life, even though they have this belief in the life to come? When they see buildings, and works of art, and mechanical devices, they weep and cry out: 'What great things man devises, and yet will he become dust?' So strong is their attachment to the present life. To destroy' these bonds, then, Christ said: 'He who hates his life in this world keeps it unto life everlasting.' Now, to prove that He was speaking to hearten them, and to dispel their fear, listen to what He went on to say: 'If anyone serve me, let him follow me.' He was referring to His 2 Cf. Eccli. 18.30. 228 SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM death and requesting that they follow Him by their deeds. For it is altogether necessary for the one who serves to follow the one served. Moreover, notice when He said this to them. It was not at the time when they were being persecuted, but when they were...