Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (313-350)
Bishop of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church
Catechetical lectures 15, 1 ; PG 33, 870-871
The two comings of Christ
We do not preach only one advent of Christ, but a second also, far more glorious than the first. For the first gave us a glimpse of his patience; but the second brings with it the crown of a divine kingdom… In his former advent he was wrapped in swaddling clothes in the manger; in his second, “he covers himself with light as with a garment” (Ps 103:2). In his first coming, he endured the cross, despising shame (Heb 12:2); in his second, he comes attended by a host of angels, receiving glory.
Now, then, we do not just rest only on his first advent, but look forward to his second also when, meeting our Master with the angels, we may worship him and say: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mt 21:9). The Savior will come, not to be judged again but to judge those who judged him… He came the first time because of a divine dispensation, teaching people with persuasion; but on that day they will of necessity have him for their King.
Daily Marriage Tip for November 16, 2018:
“Taking time to rest is not a waste of time.” (Susan Vogt) Give yourself a break today or tomorrow – from kids, a chore, worries. It doesn’t have to be long to refresh. Take your cue from God, our Creator, who rested on the seventh day.