Body of christ Quote by Cyril of Jerusalem
““And as Christ was in reality crucified, and buried, and raised, and you are in Baptism accounted worthy of being crucified, buried, and raised together with Him in a likeness, so is it with the unction also. As He was anointed with an ideal15 oil of gladness, that is, with the Holy Ghost, called oil of gladness, because He is the author of spiritual gladness, so ye were anointed with ointment, having been made partakers and fellows of Christ. 3. But beware of supposing this to be plain ointment. For as the Bread of the Eucharist, after the invocation of the Holy Ghost, is mere bread no longer,16 but the Body of Christ, so also this holy ointment is no more simple ointment, nor (so to say) common, after invocation, but it is Christ’s gift of grace, and, by the advent of the Holy Ghost, is made fit to impart His Divine Nature. Which ointment is symbolically applied to thy forehead and thy other senses; and while thy body is anointed with the visible ointment, thy soul is sanctified by the Holy and life-giving Spirit.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Catechetical Lectures, 348 AD
The rite of baptism mirrors Christ’s death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit’s anointing transforms believers into participants of divine grace.
In simple terms: Baptism and the Holy Spirit make believers share in Christ’s death, resurrection, and grace.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the transformative power of the Spirit.
Themes
faith
sacrament
spiritual transformation
grace
Mood
reverent
reflective
Type
theological
didactic
When to use this quote
- baptism ceremonies
- personal spiritual renewal
- church teaching
- ritual symbolism
Key Concepts
Christology
Holy Spirit
soteriology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your tradition view the role of the Holy Spirit in baptism?
- What personal changes have you experienced through this rite?
A Different Perspective
Interpretation may vary across denominations, leading to differing practices.
