Here are the key points from each of St. John Chrysostom's Homilies "Against the Jews" based on the sources available:
Homily 1:
- Chrysostom initially intended to continue discussing the unknowable nature of God but shifts focus due to the urgency of addressing Catholic participation in Jewish festivals.
- He criticizes Catholics for engaging in Jewish festivals like the Feast of Trumpets, Tabernacles, and fasts, labeling these practices as "perverse customs" within the Church.
- He uses strong language to describe Jewish places of worship, calling them "lodging places for robbers, cheats, and demons," and warns Catholics against associating with these rituals.
Homily 2:
- This homily was delivered five days before the Jewish fast, focusing on those Catholics who observe the Jewish fast.
- Chrysostom denounces the Jewish fast as "wicked and unclean," arguing that anything done contrary to God's purpose is abominable.
- He uses the analogy of physicians preparing for an illness to emphasize the need to anticipate and counteract the influence of Jewish customs on Catholics.
Homily 3:
- The homily addresses those who keep the first Paschal Fast, highlighting it as an unnecessary observance for Catholics.
- Chrysostom likens his role to that of a shepherd caring for sick sheep, suggesting that internal issues within the Church (like Judaizing) need addressing before external threats.
- He criticizes the Jewish understanding of God, stating that they do not truly know or worship Him according to his interpretation of Catholic doctrine.
Homily 5:
- Chrysostom expresses eagerness to continue his discourse, noting the larger crowd as evidence of their desire to hear his teachings.
- He contrasts the Catholic pursuit of spiritual nourishment with the worldly pursuits of others, like those seeking revelry and drunkenness.
- The homily emphasizes the purity of Catholic teachings compared to what he perceives as the corrupted practices of the Jews.
Homily 6:
- Chrysostom compares his fight against the Jews to that of wild beasts forced into combat, suggesting that once engaged, the conflict becomes relentless.
- He claims to have "destroyed their reasoning" and brought "their minds into captivity to the obedience of Christ," indicating a rhetorical victory over Jewish arguments.
- He asserts that the Jewish captivity, as prophesied, will not end, contrasting this with Catholic liberation through martyrdom.
Homily 8:
- This homily discusses the end of the Jewish fast, which Chrysostom sarcastically calls "the drunkenness of the Jews," extending the metaphor of drunkenness to various sins.
- He argues that one can be drunk with passions like anger, greed, or vainglory, not just wine, and uses this to critique Jewish practices further.
- Chrysostom concludes with a warning to Catholics to avoid Jewish customs, linking them to moral and spiritual corruption.
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