Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

Since Vatican Council II, all of us, whether ordained, consecrated, or lay, have been called anew to use our gifts for the Church; that is, to serve the People of God. Fortunately, our gifts are varied and each is needed. As we consider our individual calls to service, we may look to Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 315 – 386) as our model. He successfully used his gifts as confessor, catechist, and Bishop, and was a leading voice in the First Council of Constantinople (381). His efforts for uniting the Church during times of conflict cost him years of exile. Yet his teachings are important for our faith even today. We may never know the good that we bring to others when we open ourselves to be at their service.