Christ alone can give divine power to us; Angels: Day 308

Last updated on: May 27, 2017 at 3:30 am by Pete Socks

Christ alone can give divine power to us; Angels: Day 308 2017-05-19T21:17:03-05:00 Pete Socks

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Often the Fathers use the angels as examples of great but limited power, contrasting the abilities of superior but still created beings with the omnipotence of God. Here St. Cyril of Alexandria argues that Christ is fully God because He can do what no angelic being can do: grant us power over demons and sickness.

“The fruit of good deeds is honorable”—that’s a true saying. If you wish to lead a life as pure and undefiled as it’s possible for a human being to lead, then Christ will adorn you with his gifts, and give you an abundant compensation for all your saintly deeds, and share his glory with you. It’s not possible that he could be lying when he says, “As I live, says the Lord, those who honor me, I will honor” (1 Sam. 2:30).

I take the glorious company of the holy apostles as a plain and clear proof of this. We see them greatly honored and crowned with more than human glory by this fresh gift from Christ: “He gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases” (Luke 9:1).

Here again, the Incarnate Word of God goes beyond the limits of human- ity, and shines with divine dignity. For it’s beyond human power to give anyone he likes authority over unclean spirits, and to enable them to deliver the afflicted from sickness. You may mention the angels or the Archangels, or the Thrones and Dominions, or the Cherubim and Seraphim—which are of even higher rank. But know that none of them can do it. It’s true that they have great authority by the powers given to them from above. Language can’t describe their power, and na- ture could never have given it to them. But reason forbids us to suppose that they could give these powers to others.

But Christ does give them, because he is God, out of his own fullness. For he himself is the Lord of glory and powers. –St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, sermon 47

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Do I listen in prayer to the voices of the angels? Do I allow them to lead me toward the power of Christ?

CLOSING PRAYER

Bright Spirit, whom the Lord of Love has sent to me from Heaven to guard me and cherish me, love me and guide me, let me not forget your presence. May I always heed your promptings.

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Saint Cyril of Alexandria

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