Saint John Chrysostom on life's value and Paul's desire to be with Christ

The post presents a passage from Saint John Chrysostom reflecting on the value of life and death. He writes that life is a good only when used well; when used for sin, death becomes preferable. Death received for a noble motive becomes a source of countless goods, as shown by the martyrs whose death made them the happiest of men.

Chrysostom then cites Philippians 1:22-24, where Paul expresses being pressed between two desires: to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, or to remain in the flesh for the sake of others. The passage moves from a general principle about the moral use of life to the specific example of martyrs, then to Paul's own words as recorded in Scripture.

Chrysostom uses Paul's dilemma to illustrate the tension between personal desire for union with Christ and the obligation to serve others. The quote ends with the full citation of Philippians 1:22-24 in French.