From Mercy’s Heart, a Saintly Life

1Tim 1:15-17, Psalm: 112, Lk 6:43-49

Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, on this memorial of the great Doctor of the Church, Saint John Chrysostom, the Word of God presents us with two profound truths: the overwhelming mercy of Christ that saves us, and the call to build a life that radiates that mercy in return.

We begin with Saint Paul’s stunning confession to Timothy: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these, I am the foremost.” This is not false humility; it is the liberated cry of a soul that has truly encountered divine mercy. Paul’s entire identity is now re-founded upon this incredible reality. He is not defined by his past sins but by the grace that sought him out and saved him. His response is one of explosive gratitude: “To the king of ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

This is the starting point for every Christian life, including our own. Before we can do anything for God, we must first receive what He has done for us. We must, like Paul, acknowledge our need for a Savior and allow ourselves to be astounded by the love that answers that need. As Pope Francis tirelessly reminds us, “The name of God is Mercy.” We are not saved because we are good; we are made good by being saved.

This experience of mercy is not meant to be a secret we keep. It must become the very foundation upon which we build our entire existence. This is where the Gospel of Luke speaks with powerful clarity. The Lord asks us, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command?” He uses the image of a tree: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit.” Our interior encounter with Christ’s mercy must become the root that eventually produces good fruit in our actions, our words, and our character.

Saint John Chrysostom, whose golden tongue we honor today, embodied this perfectly. Having received the mercy of God, his entire life became a fruit of that grace. He famously preached, “This is the rule of most perfect Christianity, its most exact definition, its highest point: to seek the common good.” For Chrysostom, a life built on the rock of Christ was not a private spiritual feeling; it was a life of justice, charity, and fearless proclamation of the truth for the good of others. He knew that a heart truly transformed by mercy cannot help but pour itself out in love.

The Lord’s warning is stark: a house built on sand—on a faith of words alone, without the foundation of lived mercy and love—will collapse in the moment of trial. But a house built on the rock of hearing and acting on His word will stand.

So, how do we apply this today? First, we must regularly return to the foundational truth: we are sinners saved by mercy. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we hear those words of pardon anew. Second, we must examine the fruit our life is bearing. Does the mercy I receive translate into patience with my family? Does it result in integrity in my work? Does it move me to compassion for the poor and the marginalized?

Let us ask for the intercession of Saint John Chrysostom today. May his example inspire us to build a life so firmly on the rock of Christ’s mercy that our every word and action becomes good fruit, giving glory to God and building up His kingdom. Amen.