“It is easier for the sun not to shine than for the Christian not to send forth light”

When I saw the following quote, I thought it would be worth it simply to share and let St. John Chrysostom speak for himself. Let his words inspire and convict you as you follow Jesus Christ as his disciple:

Nothing is more frigid than a Christian, who cares not for the salvation of others.

You can not here plead poverty: … You can not plead lowness of birth: … You can not allege want of education:… Even if you be a slave therefore and a runaway slave, you can perform your part: … You can not plead infirmity: … Every one can profit his neighbor, if he will fulfil his part. …

Say not, It is impossible for me to induce others (to become Christians)— for if you are a Christian, it is impossible but that it should be so. For as the natural properties of things cannot be gainsaid, so it is here: the thing is part of the very nature of the Christian. Do not insult God. To say that the sun cannot shine, would be to insult Him: to say that a Christian cannot do good, is to insult God, and call Him a liar. For it is easier for the sun not to give heat, nor to shine, than for the Christian not to send forth light: it is easier for the light to be darkness, than for this to be so.

Tell me not that it is impossible: the contrary is the impossible. Do not insult God. If we once get our own affairs in a right state, the other will certainly follow as a natural and necessary consequence. It is not possible for the light of a Christian to be hid; not possible for a lamp so conspicuous as that to be concealed. …

Knowing therefore these things, let us hold fast to virtue, as knowing that it is not possible to be saved otherwise, than by passing through this present life in doing these good works, that we may also obtain the good things which are to come, through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, with Whom to the Father together with the Holy Spirit be glory, might, honor, now and ever, world without end. Amen.
St. John Chrysostom, Translated by J. Walker, J. Sheppard and H. Browne, and revised by George B. Stevens. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 11. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight.