Today, July 30, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor, we are invited to reflect on a passage from the book of Sirach (39: 4-10), entitled "The wisdom of a man who is learned in the Scriptures". Our treasure, which follows, is a sermon by Saint Peter Chrysologus, bishop.
Saint Peter Chrysologus, also known as the "Doctor of Homilies," was a 5th-century Italian bishop and Doctor of the Church, celebrated for his eloquent and concise sermons. He was recognized for his ability to explain complex theological concepts in a clear and relatable way, particularly regarding the Incarnation, the Apostles' Creed, and contemporary heresies.
Saint Peter Chrysologus was born in Imola, Italy, around 400 A.D. He was baptized and ordained a deacon by Bishop Cornelius of Imola. He was appointed Bishop of Ravenna around 433 AD by Pope Sixtus III.
Saint Peter was nicknamed "Chrysologus" (golden-worded) due to his exceptional preaching skills, and his 176 surviving homilies are highly regarded. He actively opposed the heresies of his time, including Monophysitism, and emphasized the importance of obedience to the Pope.
His sermons focused on practical aspects of Christian living, encouraging practices like daily Mass, fasting, almsgiving, and devotion to Mary and John the Baptist. His writings continue to be referenced in official Church documents, the Office of Readings, and for spiritual reading.
Saint Peter Chrysologus died in Imola around 450 AD and was buried there. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1729 by Pope Benedict XIII, a recognition of his profound and influential writings. His feast day is celebrated on July 30th.
The Wisdom of Ben Sira derives its title from the author, "Yeshua [Jesus], son of Eleazar, son of Sira". The author, a sage who lived in Jerusalem, was thoroughly imbued with love for the wisdom tradition, and for the law, priesthood, Temple, and divine worship. As a wise and experienced observer of life he addressed himself to his contemporaries with the motive of helping them to maintain religious faith and integrity through study of the books sacred to the Jewish tradition.
The book contains numerous well-crafted maxims, grouped by affinity, and dealing with a variety of subjects such as the individual, the family, and the community in their relations with one another and with God. It treats friendship, education, poverty and wealth, laws, religious worship, and many other matters that reflect the religious and social customs of the time. Written in Hebrew in the early years of the second century B.C., the book was finished by ca. 175. The text was translated into Greek by the author's grandson after 117 B.C.
Though not included in the Jewish Bible after the first century A.D., nor, therefore, accepted by Protestants, the Wisdom of Ben Sira has been recognized by the Catholic Church as inspired and canonical. The Foreword, though not the proper part of the book, is always included with it because of its antiquity and importance.
