For the First Wednesday in Advent: John Chrysostom, again, on the fear of Hell

Here is another thought from St. John Chrysostom on the benefit of fearing the dangers of Hell – and alienation from God – from Faith and Life:

If we were not threatened with that Fire, if no immortal punishments were awaiting us, still the mere fact of being alienated from Christ, the gentle and the loving, who gave Himself up to death for us, and suffered every thing to rescue us from that punishment, and reconcile us, who were enemies by our transgressions, to His Father—this is greater than any punishment, and sufficient to arouse our souls, and induce us to be continually watchful.

–St. Chrysostom on Compunction, i. 10.

And we should be continually watchful over the state of our souls.

Advertisements