THE MOTHER OF GOD – BY ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

SERMON OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (FOUND IN METAPHRASTES) 

The Son of God did not choose for his mother a rich or wealthy woman, but that blessed Virgin, whose soul was adorned with virtues. For it was because the blessed Mary had observed chastity in a way that was above all human nature, that she conceived Christ the Lord in her womb. Let us then fly to this most holy Virgin and Mother of God, and avail ourselves of her patronage. Therefore let all you, who are virgins, flee to the Mother of the Lord; for she, by her patronage, will guard you that beautiful, precious, and incorruptible possession.

A GREAT WONDER

The blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, dearest brethren, was in truth a great wonder. For what greater or more wonderful one has ever at any time been discovered, or can at any time be discovered? She alone is greater far than heaven and earth. What is holier than she? Not the prophets, not the apostles, not the martyrs, not the patriarchs, not the angels, not the thrones, not the dominations, not the seraphim, not the cherubim; in truth no creature whatever, whether visible or invisible, is to be found greater or more excellent than she. She is at once the handmaid of God, and his mother; at once a Virgin and a parent.

SHE IS THE MOTHER OF HIM WHO WAS BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF ALL THINGS

She is the mother of him, who was begotten of the Father before the beginning of all things; whom Angels and men acknowledge to be the Lord of all things. Would you know how much greater is this Virgin than any of the heavenly powers? They stand in his presence with fear and trembling, and veiled faces; she offers human nature to him whom she brought forth. Through her we obtain the forgiveness of our sins. Hail, then, O mother, heaven, maiden, virgin, throne, ornament, glory and foundation of the Church: pray without ceasing for us to Jesus, your Son and our Lord, that through you we may find mercy in the day of judgment, and may be able to obtain those good things which are prepared for those who love God, through the grace and loving-kindness of Jesus Christ our Lord: to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory, and honour, and dominion, now and forever, world without end. Amen.

– From: An Approved English Translation of the Breviarium Romanum, Burns & Oates, London, 1964