Prologue in Sermons: November 13 (a)

Simplicity in Preaching

November 13

(From the Life of Saint John Chrysostom)

By Archpriest Victor Guryev

To those of you who are accustomed to reading the Divine Scriptures, I especially often remind you to, whenever possible, read at least a little of the Scripture concerning what is necessary for life and piety to even the simple-minded seekers of salvation. But, unfortunately, I often hear discouraging feedback from the readers about their listeners: "Following your advice, we read to those who come to us seeking the Divine," they say, "and they understand nothing. What should we do in this case?"

Brethren who read and teach! How should I reason with you and your listeners? Should I admonish them to pay attention? Yet, it seems, it is impossible to rebuke them for their inattention; for if they had not wished to pay attention, they would not have come to you voluntarily. After all, no one is forcing them. Should I reproach you? But I fear offending you. In any case, knowing that a friend's scolding is more pleasant than an enemy's kisses, I hope you will hear what follows from me without offense.

The failure of your teaching depends on yourselves; for is it fair to expect your listeners to understand everything you read with the same clarity as you do? Can you judge them by your own standard? Remember that you have already attained spiritual maturity, while they are still infants; you may have been given five talents from God, and they only one; you are strong, and they are weak. How then can you expect to compare them with yourselves? Consider: an adult can digest solid food, but an infant cannot. Therefore, you must treat your listeners as infants. Speak to them of the simplest truths you know from the Divine, instruct them intelligibly, and, believe me, they will understand you. Later, when under your guidance they are growing stronger and stronger, then, of course, you can introduce them to more difficult matters, and you will see that even the difficult will become accessible to them. 

Listen to what is written on this matter in the life of Saint John Chrysostom: "Once, a certain woman, listening to John and not understanding his words, raised her voice in the crowd and said to him: 'Spiritual teacher! Moreover, I say, John Chrysostom! You have deepened the well of your holy teaching, but the ropes of our mind are short and cannot reach it.' Chrysostom reflected within himself that it is not beneficial to extend cunningly wrought words to the people, and from that time he strove to adorn his discourse not with elaborate rhetoric, but with simple, moral words, so that even the simplest listener might understand and benefit from it."

Therefore, you see, even Saint John Chrysostom found it necessary to change the language of a scholar to the language of common people in order to save them. Do as he did. And it is true that after this, your opinions about your listeners will change in their favor. Amen.

Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.