Our Holy Father Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria (444)
Romans 4:4-12; Matthew 7:15-21
Apostles’ Fast
Read Romans 4:4-12
As Christians, there should be no debate or argument regarding which of the following two things is more important: Baptism or faith. To argue for one or the other as being more important would be futile. Both are equally important in the life of the Christian as they complement each other in our life towards heaven.
Baptism is an absolutely necessary Holy Mystery that brings us into the life of the Church and makes us an adopted son or daughter of God. To be baptized is to receive new life in Christ, to die with Him and to be raised with Him.
Baptism, however, is the easier part of this equation. As I always tell parents who desire baptism for their child, Baptism needs to be nurtured into a life of faith and love for God. If Baptism is the planting of a seed, then a daily life of faith is what the seed requires to grow and blossom.
Our Baptism may have been a one time action that cannot be repeated, but our living a life of faith is a daily recommitment to being adopted sons and daughter of the Most High God. We ask ourselves today, “Do I need to add something to my prayer life or my life of service to help the seed planted at Baptism to grow and blossom?”