Memorial of Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church

In yesterday’s gospel, we read: “By their fruits, you shall know them.” Today, Jesus has become more precise. The fruit he is talking about is not extraordinary deeds, such as prophecy; he is expelling demons and miracles. What then? He speaks of “hearing his word.” What does it mean to hear his word?

It is “believing in him.” It is loving one another. This is the challenge to which we are called: to be open to Jesus’ presence, attentive to his actions, and servant of his call.

Saint Cyril, whose memorial we celebrate, is attributed the role in obtaining the title of God-bearer (Theotokos) for Mary at the Council of Ephesus. He played an essential role in the Church of his time. In our time, the Church is facing new questions and different struggles: a decline of faith in general and a decline of faith in the Eucharist, sexual confusion and related issues, loss of the value of life, and the role of women in society and the Church. The list goes on.

Through various movements, new leaders are rising up to work in the Church on these questions. Pope Francis has set the movement of Synodality in motion at all levels of Church life. We pray that new champions of faith may rise and inspire us to renew and reinvigorate our walk with God.

Have you taken part in the movement of Synodality in your diocese? Parish? Are you praying for the Eucharistic revival and the synod meetings in Rome this fall? Let us pray that contemporary leaders like Saint Cyril will be present to guide the Church through its current struggles.

Let Us Pray:

Lord, help us recognize your presence in our lives today.