A Moment with St. John Chrysostom

 

A Moment with St. John Chrysostom . . . "There flowed from his side water and blood.  Beloved, do not pass over this mystery without thought; it has yet another hidden meaning, which I will explain to you.  I said that water and blood symbolized baptism and the holy eucharist.   From these two sacraments the church is born. "

Since the symbols of baptism and the eucharist flowed from his side, it was from his side that Christ fashioned the church, as he had fashioned Eve from the side of Adam . . . Bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh! As God took a rib from Adam’s side to fashion a woman, so Christ has given us blood and water from his side to fashion the church.  Do you understand, then, how Christ has united his bride to himself and what food he gives us all to eat?   By one and the same food we are both brought into being and nourished.  As a woman nourishes her child with her own blood and milk, so does Christ unceasingly nourish with his own blood those to whom he himself has given life. 5th century A blessed Triduum to all!