Saturday, July 02, 2016

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem contrasts forgiveness and faithfulness


From New Advent:

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem's "catechetical lectures are among the most precious remains of Christian antiquity... Saint Cyril's style is admirably clear, dignified, and logical; the tone is serious and full of piety...  The catechetical lectures include an introductory address, eighteen instructions delivered in Lent to those who were preparing for baptism, and five "mystagogical" instructions given during Easter week to the same persons after their baptism.”

The catechetical lectures may be some of the justification for Saint Cyril of Jerusalem being named a Doctor of the Catholic Church.  

Saint Cyril was born about 315; died about 18 March, 386.  Saint Cyril attended and supported the great Council of Constantinople in 381. You probably say the creed which is based on the Nicene Creed of 381 or as it is sometimes called, the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed.  

The Council of Constantinople in 381 was the second of the first seven ecumenical councils. This council was attended by 186 bishops and included Saint Cyril of Jerusalem. 

The council affirmed two essential truths about reality: 1) the deity of the Holy Spirit and 2) the true humanity of Christ.  

Thus, the quote in the picture above is best seen as needed instruction for a new Christian and a call to faithfulness throughout our lives -- each day, with all our strength. 

In the quote in the picture above, it is all there, the central affirmations of the Council of Constantinople in 381. It is recognition of the Holy Spirit's continuing work in the heart of a believer following Christ's redeeming work as true man -- one of us, for all of us.   

The quote in the picture above helped me understand how remission of sin and communion with the Holy Spirit are related.  

I heard the excerpt in the above picture as part of Saint Cyril's Lecture I of the catechetical lectures in the Office Readings at Saint Leo Abbey on July 2, 2016. This version of the quote is from the New Advent website.  

Saint Leo Abbey's prayer times are open to the public, you are invited to attend. You will hear the words of popes, saints and doctors of the Church.

Listen for the Holy Spirit.   




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