Through the Church Fathers: July 23

Today’s readings bring together baptism, self-knowledge, and charity in action. Cyprian concludes Epistle 72 by arguing that past errors should not become permanent customs, and that those coming from heresy should be drawn into the Church through the clarity of truth rather than confirmed in what he sees as false baptism. Augustine then confesses that man does not fully know himself, since even the depths of the human spirit remain partly hidden from us but fully known to God. Aquinas closes by describing almsgiving as charity working through mercy, relieving both bodily and spiritual need according to wisdom, duty, and right order. Together, these readings remind us that truth must correct custom, self-knowledge depends on God’s light, and love must become visible in concrete acts of mercy.Today’s Readings:Cyprian — Epistle 72: To Jubaianus, Concerning the Baptism of Heretics, Sections 23–26Augustine — The Confessions, Book 10, Chapter 5 (Section 7)Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 2–2, Question 32 (Articles 1–10 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 #Charity #Mercy #ThroughTheChurchFathers