CATECHETICAL SERMONS

AND SECRET

Cyril of Jerusalem

The text is quoted from the edition: St. Kmrill, Archbishop of Jerusalem. Catechetical and Secret Teachings. Moscow: Synodal Library of the Moscow Patriarchate, 1991. — S. 1–340. Reprint reproduction of the 1822 edition.

Proverbial Instruction

or a preface to the catechetical teachings of our Holy Father Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem.

1. Already the stench of bliss is upon you, you who are enlightened! Already you are gathering spiritual flowers to weave the crowns of heaven; the fragrance of the Holy Spirit has already been poured out; you are already on the threshold of the royal palaces; Oh, if only the King himself would lead you into them! The trees are now in color; Oh, when to see fruit on them? There has already been a census of your names. Likewise, the naming of the army, and the marriage lamps. And the desire for heavenly coexistence, and the good intention, and the hope that follows. For he who has not lied said, "To them that love God all things shall be hastened for good" (Rom. 8:23). Although God is generous in doing good; yet he expects from everyone an unhypocritical arbitrariness. For this reason the Apostle adds: "To those who are called according to foreknowledge." An intention without hypocrisy makes you called. For if you are here in body, but not in spirit; then this is useless.

2. Simon the sorcerer once approached the font; he was baptized, but not enlightened; He washed his body with water, but did not enlighten his heart with the Spirit; the body entered into the font, and came out of it, but the soul was not buried with Christ, and did not unite with Him (Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:4; 1 Cor. 10:2). I mention falls, so that you do not fall; For this has happened to them educationally, and it is written for instruction even to those who are now approaching: lest any of you dare to tempt grace, lest any root of sorrow vegetate do evil (Heb. 12:15), lest any of you should ascend, saying, Let us see what the faithful do. When I go up, I will look to find out what is happening among them. You hope to see, but don't you think that they will see you? Do you think that you know what is happening, but God does not know your heart?