14 September 2005

Patristic Quote for the Day

AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS. For we have many sins. For we offend both in word and in thought, and very many things do we worthy of condemnation; and *if we say that we have no sin* we lie, as St. John says. And we enter into a covenant with God, entreating Him to pardon our sins, as we also forgive our neighbors their debts. Considering then what we receive and for what, let us not put off, nor delay to forgive one another. The offences committed against us are slight and trivial, and easily settled; but those which we have committed against God are great, and call for mercy such as His only is. Take heed, therefore, lest for these small and inconsiderable sins against thyself, thou bar against thyself forgiveness from God for thy most grievous sins. - St. Cyril of Alexandria, Mystagogical Catechesis V:16

2 comments:

Chaz said...

Have you ever noticed how Luther and Cyril's writings on the Lord's Prayer seem to compliment one another?

I've noticed the same thing with Ambrose and Tertullian (compared to Luther).

William Weedon said...

Yes, they're all just passing on what was given them. I think Augustine's comments, not surprisingly, are closest to Luther's.