This anonymous second-century homily is among a handful of Christian sermons that have been preserved from the very earliest days of the Christian church.  It is bold in its proclamation of salvation through the passion and death of Jesus Christ, and its strong encouragement for Christians to stand firm in the faith and to live holy lives as a testimony to the power of God's saving grace and eternal forgiveness.

I am the Good Shepherd; and I know my sheep (that is, I love them) and my sheep know me.  It is as if he said plainly: "Those who love me obey me." For those who do not love the truth do not yet know it.

Gregory the Great was born around 540 to a noble Christian family in Rome.  He used his skills as a talented administrator within church for the welfare of the Roman people, providing charitable relief for the poor and for refugees fleeing the barbarian incursions in Lombardy.  As bishop of Rome, Gregory re-energized the Church's missionary work among the pagan peoples of northern Europe in Anglia, Saxony and Germany.  He also wrote several biblical commentaries, various liturgical works and a practical rule for pastors.

Charity is a right attitude of mind which prefers nothing to the knowledge of God. If a man possesses any strong attachment to the things of this earth, he cannot possess true charity. For anyone who really loves God prefers to know and experience God rather than his creatures. The whole set and longing of his mind is ever directed towards him.

Maximus the Confessor was born in Constantinople and at the age of 30, received an influential court position under emperor Heraclitus.  A few years later he left civil life to become a lay monk and study theological works. In his writings Maximus confronted the heresy of Monothelitism and died in 622, after being tortured for his orthodox faith.  As a teacher of the spiritual life, St. Maximus gave detailed, practical guidance in how to live as a Christian, overcome sinful passions and truly love God and neighbor.

The Lord himself comes, the Teacher of love, full of love, shortening the word upon the earth, as was foretold of him. He shows that the Law and the Prophets depend on the two precepts of love.  

Augustine was born in north Africa to a pagan Roman father and a Christian Berber mother.  He spent his youth as a true pagan and in his Confessions, describes his time in a heretical sect in Rome and how he came to Christ by the grace of God and the preaching of Bishop Ambrose of Milan, who baptized him in 386.  Having entered fully into the way of Christ, Augustine  returned to Africa to become bishop of Hippo, and is recognized as one of the early Church's greatest theologians.

The Lord Jesus declared that he was giving his disciples a new commandment, that they should love one another.  A new commandment, he said, I give you, that you love one another.

Augustine was born in north Africa to a pagan Roman father and a Christian Berber mother.  He spent his youth as a true pagan and in his Confessions, describes his time in a heretical sect in Rome and how he came to Christ by the grace of God and the preaching of Bishop Ambrose of Milan, who baptized him in 386.  Having entered fully into the way of Christ, Augustine  returned to Africa to become bishop of Hippo, and is recognized as one of the early Church's greatest theologians.

Columbanus was an Irish missionary, who with twelve others sailed first to Scotland and then crossed over to France in 585 to begin their apostolic mission to the Franks and later to the Lombards. Wherever they went, the people were struck by their modesty, patience, and humility. Despite opposition from local authorities, Columbanus and his followers established monasteries along the way to continue their work. True to his Celtic background, Columbanus had a great love for God's creatures and was also a poet, writer and scholar.

Cyril became Bishop of Jerusalem in 350 and is known for his systematic catchesis which he used to instruct new converts to Christianity in the essentials of the faith as part of their preparation for baptism at Easter and for further instruction on spiritual formation in the week following. Cyril's writings are filled with the loving and forgiving nature of God, the healing power of forgiveness and the companionship of the Holy Spirit.

From a sermon by a sixth century African author.

An anonymous fourth century homily.

Contributor Shady Anis writes for the Lift Up Your Hearts Devotions for the month of January.