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Christian Music | Hymn of the Cherubim: Tchaikovsky

"If I were to describe sunlight to a blind person this is what I'd make them listen to," was the description of the young Kushala Daora on YouTube. Another said in response to her comment, "This is what I imagine a sunrise sounds like." Music stirs the soul. It enlivens man because in music we can encounter the good, the true, and the beautiful. Man is ordered to such things because, as the Catholic Church teaches, in such things we encounter God's wonder. Today, we encounter a beautiful rendition of "Hymn of the Cherubim" by Tchaikovsky performed by the USSR Ministry of Culture Chamber Choir. It's a beautiful piece of music for sure from the man who also composed "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," and the "1812 Overture". What's more, when you listen to it, you can get lost in it and forget that it's only human voices you hear. To listen to "Hymn of the Cherubim," please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Saints Alive! | St. John Chrysostom

He was born in Antioch. After a thorough education, he took up the ascetic life. He was ordained to the priesthood, and became a fruitful and effective preacher. He was elected Patriarch of Constantinople in 397, and was energetic in reforming the ways of the clergy and the laity alike. He incurred the displeasure of the Emperor and was twice forced into exile. When the second exile, to Armenia, had lasted three years, it was decided that he should be sent still further away, but he died on the journey, worn out by his hardships. His sermons and writings did much to explain the Catholic faith and to encourage the living of the Christian life: his eloquence earned him the surname “Chrystostom” (the Greek for “golden mouth”). Credit: from our friends at Universalis.com. For more about this saint, Father and Doctor of the Church, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Divine Office | For me, life means Christ, and death is gain

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from a sermon by St John Chrysostom, bishop (349-407 A.D.). He was elected Patriarch of Constantinople in 397. His sermons and writings did much to explain the Catholic faith and to encourage the living of the Christian life, and his eloquence earned him the surname “Chrysostom” (the Greek for “golden mouth”). For a reflection, "For me, life means Christ, and death is gain," please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Divine Office | Do not adorn the church and ignore your afflicted brother

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from a homily on Matthew by St John Chrysostom, bishop (349-407 A.D.). He was elected Patriarch of Constantinople in 397. His sermons and writings did much to explain the Catholic faith and to encourage the living of the Christian life, and his eloquence earned him the surname “Chrysostom” (the Greek for “golden mouth”). For a reflection, "Do not adorn the church and ignore your afflicted brother," please click on the image. Peace be with you!

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Divine Office | I rejoice exceedingly in all my tribulations

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from a homily on the 2nd letter to the Corinthians by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop (349-407 A.D.). He was elected Patriarch of Constantinople in 397. His sermons and writings did much to explain the Catholic faith and to encourage the living of the Christian life, and his eloquence earned him the surname “Chrysostom” (the Greek for “golden mouth”). For a reflection, "I rejoice exceedingly in all my tribulations," please click on the image. Peace be with you!