(406-450) The “Doctor of Homilies” was a fifth-century Italian bishop. “Chrysologus” is Greek for “golden-worded.” His 176 surviving sermons give a depth of theological clarity early in the life of the Church, earning Peter the title of Doctor of the Church. The major heresy of his day was Monophysitism, which attempted to suppress the human nature of Jesus. It was the opposite extreme from Nestorianism, which denied the divine nature of Jesus. Saint Peter also condemned Arianism (the heresy claiming Jesus was not divine) and defended the Nicene Creed.

Known for their clarity and strength of theology, Saint Peter’s homilies were also noted for being concise and Bible-based. Short and to the point. The Steps are not complex, either. But “simple” does not mean “easy.” Just don’t “use” for the entire day, and you stay sober, clean, or however you define a day won. Simple.

“O man, why do you think so little of yourself when God thinks so highly of you? Why dishonor yourself when God so honors you? Why be so concerned with the stuff from which you are made and so little with the purpose for which you are made?” (Saint Peter Chrysologus).

Reflection by Brad Farmer