Discourse on Faith by St. Cyril of Jerusalem

[BarbaraTherese]

Most often the Second Reading in the Office of Readings (Divine Office) is really beautiful and no little instructional and informative…this one for Wednesday 7th. November was one of these. You will need to scroll down on the link below to the Second Reading:

universalis.com/20071107/readings.htm

A catechetical instruction by Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop
The power of faith transcends man’s strength

…"…How great is God’s love for men!

Some good men have been found pleasing to God because of years of work. What they achieved by working for many hours at a task pleasing to God is freely given to you by Jesus in one short hour.

For if you believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved and taken up to paradise by him, just as he brought the thief there. Do not doubt that this is possible. After all, he saved the thief on the holy hill of Golgotha because of one hour’s faith; will he not save you too since you have believed?

The other kind of faith is given by Christ by means of a special grace. To one wise sayings are given through the Spirit, to another perceptive comments by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing. Now this kind of faith, given by the Spirit as a special favour, is not confined to doctrinal matters, for it produces effects beyond any human capability. If a man who has this faith says to this mountain move from here to there, it will move. For when anybody says this in faith, believing it will happen and having no doubt in his heart, he then receives that grace…"…

 

[Pani_Rose]

amen!