Cyril of Jerusalem: Patterns

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Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:1-2

“Christ fasted a little before His temptation, we before Easter. As far as the fasting days are concerned it is the same, but the difference in the seasons is no little one. He armed Himself with them against temptation; but to us this fast is symbolical of dying with Christ, and it is a purification in preparation for the festival. And He fasted absolutely for forty days, for He was God; but we measure our fasting by our power, even though some are led by zeal to rush beyond their strength. Again, He gave the Sacrament of the Passover to His Disciples in an upper chamber, and after supper, and one day before He suffered; but we celebrate it in Houses of Prayer, and before food,and after His resurrection. He rose again the third day; our resurrection is not till after a long time. But matters which have to do with Him are neither abruptly separated from us, nor yet yoked together with those which concern us in point of time; but they were handed down to us just so far as to be patterns of what we should do.”

Cyril of Jerusalem (313-386) in Oration XL.XXX (delivered in 381) 555.

This reveals that fasting during Lent as a symbol of “dying with Christ” was practiced in the 300’s in the early church as a patterns for our “purification” and “preparation” for the celebration of Easter.

If are not journeying through Lent and focusing on giving, fasting, and prayer, why not start today. Download my free ebook, Lent Companion, as a guide for your journey. Start mid-stream.

Do this for purification. God will show you stuff in your life that is too important or simply needs to go. This will create margin in your heart or your budget for giving and service.

Also do it for preparation. The aim of Lent is to teach is to set aside our desires, attune to God, and give generously. This is how all of life should be lived after Lent. Enjoy learning new patterns for life.