347 and 350 AD and number twenty-four – one introduction; eighteen pre-
baptismal discourses for catechumens; and five mystagogic discourses for
neophytes. They constitute a series of explanations about the Creed
catechumens were about to recite and the ceremonies of Christian initiation
they were about to undergo – Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
They also contain interesting references to the discovery of the True Cross,
the position of Mount Calvary, and the great basilica built by Constantine.
They are the most ancient methodical explanation of the Creed in our
possession and therefore their importance cannot be underestimated.
The Lectures come down to us not from the hand of St. Cyril, but as
shorthand transcripts taken down from someone in his audience. Their style
is clear, dignified and logical, full of seriousness and piety. Some scholars
regard the last five mystagogic discourses as being rather the work of St.
Cyril’s successor, John of Jerusalem. The most likely scenario is that they
were originally composed by St. Cyril and then later revised by John
(Jurgens Vol. 1, p. 347; Quasten, Patrology, Vol. 3, pp.364-366).
Extracts
Catechetical Lectures (C. 350 AD):
1, 5
“Cleanse your vessel that you may receive grace more abundantly; for although
the remission of sins is given to all equally, the communion of the Holy Spirit is
bestowed in proportion to the faith of such. If you have labored little, you will
receive little; but if your labor has been great, great will be your reward...By the
loving-kindness of God you have, in our former meetings, heard enough about
Baptism and Chrism, and of the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ. And
now it behoves us to pass on to what is next...”
4, 11
“(Christ) descended into the subterranean regions so that He might ransom from
there the just...David was there, and Samuel, and all the Prophets; and John, the
same who, through his messengers, said: ‘Are You the one who is to come, or shall
we look for another?’ Would you not want Him to go down to free such men as
these?”
4, 25
 |
 |
 |