How Should One Begin Reading or Listening to the Word of God or the Lives of the Saints and How to Read Them?
October 15*
(Saint John Chrysostom on How to Listen to the Readings of the Holy Books With Diligence, Honor and Attention)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
October 15*
(Saint John Chrysostom on How to Listen to the Readings of the Holy Books With Diligence, Honor and Attention)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
Why is it, brethren, that when we read or listen to the word of God or the lives of the saints, we sometimes derive little benefit from reading or listening to them? Because we don't know how to approach reading or listening to them, or how to read or listen to them. To truly benefit the soul from the word of God or the lives of the saints, we must know what to do before we begin reading or listening to them, and know how to read or listen to them. Only then will we benefit. But you, of course, will ask: how then should we approach reading or listening to them, or how should we read or listen to them? We will be happy to answer this, but, for your greater conviction, not in our own words, but in the words of the ecumenical teacher, Saint John Chrysostom.
Blessed John Chrysostom said: "When you sit down to read the word of God, then first pray to God to open the eyes of your heart. And do this so that you will not only read what is written, but also fulfill it, and that reading the word of God or the lives of the saints will not be a sin for you. When you begin to read, read with all diligence and great assiduity; and do not waste time simply turning over the pages. And if you have time, then do not be lazy, but read the words twice, thrice, and many times, so that you may understand their power. When you decide to read or wish to listen to someone else reading, then first pray thus and say: 'Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart, that I, having heard Your word, may understand it and fulfill Your will. Hide not Your commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may understand the wondrous things of Your law. Reveal to me Your unknown and hidden wisdom. I trust in You, my God, and I believe that You will enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of Your understanding, and that then I will not only read what is written, but also fulfill it. Grant that I may not read the lives of the saints and Your word to my sin, but for renewal, and illumination, and holiness, and the salvation of the soul, and the inheritance of eternal life. For You, O Lord, are the light of those who lie in darkness, and from You comes every good gift and every perfect gift.'"
Therefore, brethren, in order to truly benefit from reading or hearing the word of God or the lives of the saints, as you see, we must first approach reading or hearing them with prayer that God would open our eyes, that we might understand the wonders of His law; that He would tell us the unknown and hidden things of His wisdom; that He would enlighten our minds with the light of His divine knowledge and teach us not only to read the divine books, but also to obey all that is written in them. We must read what we have also seen, without laziness, but diligently, with the participation of the heart; and what is not entirely clear, in order to understand it, we must read once, twice, three times, and more. Now, when you begin reading or listening to the word of God or the lives of the saints, as now indicated, and at the same time observe everything you read or hear in them in your thoughts, desires, words, and deeds, then you will undoubtedly receive benefit for your souls, and you will understand the wonders of the law of the Lord. Amen.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
Notes:
* In the original text, there is no entry for October 15th. There this is the second entry for September 16th.
