The Power of Patristic Preaching: The Word in Our Flesh (Patristic Theology)

The Word made flesh is manifested in the lives of those dedicated to his proclamation. The Power of Patristic Preaching: The Word in Our Flesh presents seven early preachers who show, by life and speech, the divine Word's power at work in weak human life. The book is inspired by this question preached by Origen, "For what does it profit if I should say that Jesus has come in that flesh alone which he received from Mary and I should not show also that he has come in this flesh of mine?" In seven chapters, The Power of Patristic Preaching studies the exemplars of Origen for holiness, Ephrem for the humility of repentance, Gregory of Nazianzus for purification and faith, John Chrysostom for the hope of salvation, Augustine for love, Leo the Great for love of the poor and the weak, and Gregory the Great for accepting our own weakness. With an emphasis on the incarnation, deification through the virtues, and proclamation, The Power of Patristic Preaching serves as a resource for those dedicated to the ministry of the Word (clerical, religious, and lay), and as a text for students of early Christian theology and practices. A Catholic work for a broad ecumenical audience, the book gives a cry from the heart in a suffering Church traveling through a world that is passing away. Contents 9 Acknowledgments 12 Abbreviations 16 Foreword by Paul M. Blowers 20 Introduction. The Power of Patristic Preaching: The Word in Our Flesh 26 1. Origen of Alexandria: The Word in Our Flesh for Holiness 72 2. Ephrem the Syrian: The Word in Our Flesh for the Humility of Repentance 112 3. Gregory of Nazianzus: The Word in Our Flesh for Purification and Faith 146 4. John Chrysostom: The Word in Our Flesh for the Hope of Salvation 184 5. Augustine of Hippo: The Word in Our Flesh for Love 220 6. Leo the Great: The Word in Our Flesh for Love of the Poor and the Weak 264 7. Gregory the Great: The Word in Our Flesh for Acceptance of Our Weakness 298 Conclusion. The Power of Patristic Preaching: The Word in Our Flesh 334 Bibliography 342 Biblical Citations 394 Index 400