March 18, St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.--Psalm 147:12

Mass readings: Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9 / Matthew 5:17-19

God's Laws

St. Cyril, bishop and doctor of the Church, led the Diocese of Jerusalem during a stormy period in the fourth century. A man of gentle and conciliatory disposition, he spent 16 of his 35 years as a bishop in exile.

Like Moses, Cyril made no bones about what was expected of his flock. ''True religion,'' he wrote, ''consists of these two elements: pious doctrines and virtuous actions. God does not accept doctrines apart from good works; nor are works, when divorced from godly doctrines, accepted by God.'' The laws of God stand forever, and those who live by them can truly be called ''a wise and intelligent people.'' God is in His laws, and in obeying His law we find the God Who is ''so close to us whenever we call upon him.''

Prayer: St. Cyril, help me to be obedient to God's law that I may find Him.