Through the Church Fathers: July 20

Today’s readings bring together truth, confession, and mercy. Cyprian continues Epistle 72 by arguing that not everything done “in the name of Christ” truly belongs to Christ, especially when it is separated from the truth of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the unity of the Church. Augustine then explains why he confesses before others: not to satisfy curiosity, but so that brotherly souls may rejoice over God’s gifts in him, grieve over what still needs healing, and pray that God would complete what He has begun. Aquinas closes by describing mercy as a virtue flowing from charity, by which we regard another’s misery as our own and act to relieve it. Together, these readings remind us that truth cannot be severed from Christ, confession should serve love rather than curiosity, and mercy is not mere feeling, but love stooping to heal.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — Epistle 72: To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics, Sections 15–18Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 4 (Section 5)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 30 (Articles 1–4 Combined)Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org#ChurchFathers #Cyprian #Augustine #Aquinas #Theology #ChurchHistory #ChristianDoctrine #Baptism #Mercy #ThroughTheChurchFathers