A Journey of Suffering and Exile
The journey was cruel, made more so by bad health and by being poorly treated by bishops along the way. In a letter from Casaraea, he wrote, “I am quite broken down, dead a thousand times over. Those who will deliver these letters to you will be able to tell you about it better than anyone else, although they have only remained a little time with me. I could not even speak to them, so much exhausted was I by continual fever, despite which I had to travel day and night, tormented by the heat, worn out by sleeplessness, want of attendance, and of food. I have suffered, and still suffer worse than the criminals in the mines and prisons.”
Worn Down but Not Silenced
At long last, he reached Cucusus, but his trials were not over. The second and third years of his exile there were worse than his first months. The climate was harsh, and his journeys were excruciating. His health continued to deteriorate. Many of the Christians of Constantinople were still devoted to him, and wrote to him frequently; this proved fatal. “He still appeared formidable to his enemies, and they decided to search for a new place of residence, where the exile, sent once more still further from home, would, perhaps, at last lose something of his indefatigable energy.”
Faithful Unto Death
In June of 407, John and two soldiers journeyed across Asia Minor once again. In spite of his illness, the guards kept him moving under orders to wear the man down. Finally, in the little town of Comana, John’s health was so depleted that they stopped and stayed overnight in a small chapel. In the morning, he was weak and begged to rest a few hours more, but the guards pressed on. Soon they realized that their captive was dying, and they retraced their steps to the chapel. Finally, at the end of his journeys, John asked for a new garment, put it on, took Communion, and prayed. He died that same day at the age of sixty.
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Date: 25th May 2024
Martyr: John Chrysostom
Location: Not specified
Source: God’s Generals, the martyrs
Author: Richard Liardon
Suffering Saturday 092
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