Now That Election’s Over …

Help the afflicted. Comfort those in sorrow. You who are strong, help the weak. You who are rich, help the poor. You who stand upright, help the fallen and the crushed. You who are joyful, comfort those in sadness. You who enjoy all good fortune, help those who have met with disaster. Give something to God in thanksgiving that you are of those who can give help, not of those who stand and wait for it; that you have no need to look to another’s hands, but that others must look to yours. Grow rich, not only in substance, but also in piety; not only in good but also in virtue; or rather, only virtue. Be more honored than your neighbor, by showing more compassion. Be as God to the unfortunate, by imitating the mercy of God. For in nothing do we draw close to God as in doing good to man. Though God does the greater things, the man the less; yet each, I believe, according to his capacity. He made man; and when man was undone, He remakes him. Never despise fallen man … never refuse to do good to those who have need of you … Give help. Help others to live. Give food, clothing, medicine, apply remedies to the afflicted, bind up their wounds, ask about their misfortunes, speak with them of patience and forbearance, come close to them; you will not be harmed, you will not contract their affliction (i.e., leprosy), even though the timid believe this, misled by foolish talk … Have confidence! Let compassion overcome your timidity; the fear of God your softness. Let the love of your fellow man rise above promptings of self love. Do not turn away your face from him, as from something terrible, something fearful, to be shunned and disowned. He is your own member, though his calamity has deformed him. The poor man have been left to you as to God; though you should pass by ever proud in spirit. Perhaps I have shamed you, saying these things to you. But I have set before you the rule of the love of your neighbor; even should those who are hostile turn you away from accepting it. Whoever journeys on the sea is close to ship-wreck; the nearer, the more boldly he navigates.

— St John Chrysostom