A Golden Tradition

There is a tradition, which the Russians say they received from St. John Chrysostom, that enjoins them, on Souls Saturday, to lay out dining tables, in front of their homes, for every hungry passer-by. Recently, this has turned into provisions, namely foods and foodstuff, that they bring with them to the Church, which becomes a meeting place for those who are offering and the poor who are receiving. The beauty of this is that the giver and the taker do not know one another. This is the rendezvous of love that manifests itself in prayer, as thanks to him who offered, and thanks to him who received, because he gave meaning to the offering. In our country, we have something of this sort; however, it is not related to the Souls Saturday, but rather to the days of funerals and condolences. The difference is that our tables are for family and friends. Chrysostom says: “luxurious funerals do not attest to your love for the deceased, but rather to your pride in yourself. If you are really seeking to benefit the deceased, I will point out to you another approach for funerals, which would befit and exalt him: it is to give alms”. This is a golden tradition that deserves to be popularized.