1 Hear this, all you peoples;
hearken, all you who dwell in the world,
you of high degree and low, rich and poor together.
2 My mouth shall speak of wisdom,
and my heart shall meditate on understanding.
3 I will incline my ear to a proverb
and set forth my riddle upon the harp.
4 Why should I be afraid in evil days,
when the wickedness of those at my heels surrounds me,
5 The wickedness of those who put their trust in their goods,
and boast of their great riches?
6 We can never ransom ourselves,
or deliver to God the price of our life;
7 For the ransom of our life is so great,
that we should never have enough to pay it,
8 In order to live for ever and ever,
and never see the grave.
From the Great Cloud of Witnesses:
John Chrysostom (347 - 407) was born in Antioch, Syria shortly after Christianity became legal. He was converted and baptized at the age of 23 and was ordained to the priesthood in 386. His oratorical excellence soon came to the attention of the Emperor and he was elected to the Patriarchate of Constantinople, at that time the capital city of the Roman Empire. Here he spoke openly against the tremendous wealth and excess of the royal court, especially that of the Empress. She succeeded in having John exiled from the city, but the people protested to such a degree that he was soon recalled. When he stood to speak after being reinstated, his sermon was against a public statue of the Empress that was being unveiled. Again he was banished, this time for good, yet he continued to write and send his letters and sermons to the churches.
For further info: http://www.chrysostom.org/life.html
Collect:
O God, you gave your servant John Chrysostom grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching, and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.