Baptism draws death’s sting

Jesus sanctified baptism when He Himself was baptized. If the Son of God was baptized, can anyone who scorns baptism pretend to piety? Not that He was baptized to receive the remission of sins—for He was without sin—but being sinless, He was nevertheless baptized, that He might impart grace and dignity to those who receiveContinue reading “Baptism draws death’s sting”

The Power of Faith is So Great

If we guard this faith, we shall be free from condemnation and be adorned with virtues of every kind. For the power of faith is so great that it even buoys up men walking upon the sea. Peter was a man like ourselves, composed of flesh and blood, and living on like foods. But whenContinue reading “The Power of Faith is So Great”

Him who walks upon the waters

You have Him who walks upon the waters, who rebukes the winds, who holds sovereign sway over the ocean; who not only Himself walked on the sea as on a firm pavement but vouchsafed the like power to Peter. For when the night was black and the Light, though it was there, was not recognizedContinue reading “Him who walks upon the waters”

The Church Fathers on Racism

“We ought to understand that while the names of God may differ among the various nations, nevertheless, since we are all of the same origin, we ought to consider ourselves as of one family, and not despise the kinship of the human race.” (Gregory of Nyssa, Great Catechism, 32) “God has made all races ofContinue reading “The Church Fathers on Racism”

St. Cyril of Jerusalem on Advent

We preach not one advent only of Christ, but a second also, far more glorious than the former. For the former gave a view of His patience; but the latter brings with it the crown of a divine kingdom. For all things, for the most part, are twofold in our Lord Jesus Christ: a twofold generation; one, of God, beforeContinue reading “St. Cyril of Jerusalem on Advent”

Only what human nature is able to receive

When we speak of God, we do not say all that we might (for that is known to Him only) but only what human nature is able to receive and our weakness can bear. We do not explain what God is but candidly confess that our knowledge of Him is not exact. Where God isContinue reading “Only what human nature is able to receive”