Patristic Quote of the Day

“For concerning the divine and holy mysteries of the Faith, not even a casual statement must be delivered without the Holy Scriptures; nor must we be drawn aside by mere plausibility and artifices of speech. Even to me, who tell you these things, give not absolute credence, unless you receive the proof of the things which I announce from the Divine Scriptures. For this salvation which we believe depends not on ingenious reasoning, but on demonstration of the Holy Scriptures.”— St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Catechetical Lectures, IV:17, in NPNF, Volume VII, p. 23.)

Catechesis: the Eucharist

Although the work is done and forgiveness is secured by the cross, it cannot come to us in any other way than through the Word.—LC V:31

Luther

If He did not uphold and sustain us after He had made us, we should long since, yes, even in our birth and cradle, have perished and died.—Exposition John i

Patristic Quote of the Day

“We are not entitled to such license, I mean that of affirming what we please; we make the Holy Scriptures the rule and the measure of every tenet; we necessarily fix our eyes upon that, and approve that alone which may be made to harmonize with the intention of those writings.”— St. Gregory of Nyssa (On the Soul and the Resurrection NPNF II, V:439)

Catechesis: the Eucharist

For the Sacrament is not founded upon people’s holiness, but upon God’s Word. Just as no saint on earth, indeed, no angel in heaven, can make bread and wine be Christ’s body and blood, so also no one can change or alter it, even though it is misused.—LC V:16

Luther

As long as the flesh lives on earth, it spreads and drags sins behind it. It resists and will not die. Therefore in the end God must put it to death, that it may also die to sin.—Sermon on Romans vi.3-11

Patristic Quote of the Day

“What is the mark of a faithful soul? To be in these dispositions of full acceptance on the authority of the words of Scripture, not venturing to reject anything nor making additions. For, if ‘all that is not of faith is sin’ as the Apostle says, and ‘faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God,’ everything outside Holy Scripture, not being of faith, is sin.”— Basil the Great (The Morals, p. 204, vol 9 TFOTC).

Catechesis: Eucharist

Everyone who desires to be a Christian and go to this Sacrament should know them [the Words of Institution]. For it is not our intention to let people come to the Sacrament and administer it to them if they do not know what they seek or why they come.—LC V:2

Luther

We are so made by love that we rejoice in each other’s life.—Exposition, Genesis xxiii

Patristic Quote of the Day

“Let the inspired Scriptures then be our umpire, and the vote of truth will be given to those whose dogmas are found to agree with the Divine words.”—St. Gregory of Nyssa (On the Holy Trinity, NPNF, p. 327).

Catechesis: Baptism

This is Baptism’s true use among Christians, as signified by baptizing with water. Therefore, where this is not done, the old man is left unbridled. He continually becomes stronger. That is not using Baptism, but working against Baptism.—LC IV:68

Luther

He singles out these two organs, ear and tongue, because the kingdom of Christ is founded upon the Word, which cannot be perceived and comprehended except with these two organs: ears and tongue.—Sermons from 1534

Patristic Quotes

Regarding the things I say, I should supply even the proofs, so I will not seem to rely on my own opinions, but rather, prove them with Scripture, so that the matter will remain certain and steadfast.— St. John Chrysostom (Homily 8 On Repentance and the Church, p. 118, vol. 96 TFOTC)

Catechesis

I, myself also, and all who are baptized, must say this before God: “I come here in my faith and in that of others. Yet I cannot rest on this, that I believe, and that many people pray for me. But in this I rest, that Baptism is Your Word and command.”—LC IV:56

Luther

So that this Gospel paints Christ as being the one man who cares for you and me, and for us all, as we ought to care for ourselves, as if He were plunged in the same shame and sin as we are, and tells us how He sighs over the horrible devil who wrought all the ruin.—Sermons, 1534

Patristic Quote of the Day

Concerning the hearers: that those hearers who are instructed in the Scriptures should examine what is said by the teachers, receiving what is in conformity with the Scriptures and rejecting what is opposed to them; and that those who persist in teaching such doctrines should be strictly avoided.—St. Basil the Great, The Morals

Catechesis: Baptism

Further, we say that we are not very concerned to know whether the person baptized believes or not. For Baptism does not become invalid on that account. But everything depends on God’s Word and command.—LC IV:52, 53

Luther

For the text clearly says that Jesus Himself marvelled at the centurion that he had such a strong faith. And what Christ regards as a miracle, we too surely must regard as such.—Sermons from the year 1535.

I love this pic of Opa…

…with Chance, whom I believe is his 17th great grandchild:

Patristic Quote of the Day

Therefore, appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proven; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers.—Didache 15