Today we celebrate the feast of St. Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. He was born in 370 and lived a monastic life. He was ordained a priest and succeeded his uncle as bishop of Alexandria in 412. He had a preeminent role at the Council of Ephesus; he fought bravely against the doctrines of Nestorius, which denied the real joining of the two natures, one human and one divine into one person in Christ, thus denying also that Mary was the Mother of God; he wrote many learned works explaining and defending the Catholic faith. He died in 444.
The readings today reflect the life and ministry of Cyril. He truly was salt and light. His presence and his work made a difference in the world in which he lived, in the Church he loved so much. The flavor of his example and the illumination of his defenses and writings did much to secure the quality of the faith that was being challenged at the time. Cyril was one who staunchly defended the smallest letter of the complete law: which now included Jesus' New Law of LOVE.
In the first reading we see Paul encouraging a young priest named Timothy to be faithful to his work and trusting in the one who empowers it: the Blessed Trinity of loving Father, merciful Son, energizing Spirit. When the time comes and people reject sound doctrine he must provide a sure and reliable message of hope: the Gospel of Christ! It will speak for itself and will attract those destined to be saved by it – if the evangelist and preacher is true to his vocation. Paul was true to his, Timothy to his, Cyril to his – and so the faith has survived and flourished – and today it flavors and enlightens the lives of those chosen to receive it and to transmit it to others – you and me.
Let us forever sing the goodness of the Lord – because he is faithful, he is merciful, he is Savior!
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