by St. John Chrysostom
The love of husband and wife is the force that welds society together. Men will take up arms and even sacrifice their lives for the sake of this love. St. Paul would not speak so earnestly about this subject without serious reason; why else would he say,
“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord?”
Because when harmony prevails, the children are raised well, the household is kept in order, and neighbors, friends, and relatives praise the result.
Great benefits, both of families and states, are thus produced. When it is otherwise, however, everything is thrown into confusion and turned upside-down.
Homily 20