(676-749) John was born and raised in Damascus, Syria, by devoutly Christian parents under Muslim rule. He became a monk and a priest near Jerusalem. When the Byzantine Emperor Leo II decreed that the veneration of icons was idolatry, John masterfully defended the use of sacred art. He is the last of the Greek Fathers of the Church and was a profound influence on Saint Thomas Aquinas and scholastic theologians centuries later.
Saint John is widely known for his writing during the iconoclast controversy. He wrote, “I do not worship matter; I worship the Creator of matter who became matter for my sake.” In our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments, we may have set material things as idols. How have you learned to place God above all else in recovery?
“The saints must be honored as friends of Christ and children and heirs of God…Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics, and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory” (Saint John of Damascus, The Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith).
Reflection by Brad Farmer