Treasures of Our Faith with Deacon Richard Vehige

On Monday the Seventh week of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle John (4:1-10) entitled "God has loved us first". Our treasure, which follows, is from a catechetical instruction by Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop.

Cyril of Jerusalem was a theologian of the Early Church. About the end of AD 350, he succeeded Maximus as Bishop of Jerusalem, but was exiled on more than one occasion due to the enmity of Acacius of Caesarea, and the policies of various emperors. His Catechesis remain valuable as examples of the ritual and theology of the Church in the mid-fourth century. The crises that the Church faces today may seem minor when compared with the threat posed by the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ and almost overcame Christianity in the fourth century. Cyril was to be caught up in the controversy, accused of Arianism by Saint Jerome, and ultimately vindicated both by the men of his own time and by being declared a Doctor of the Church in 1822.

The main point of today's "treasure" from Saint Cyril of Jerusalem's catechetical instruction entitled "The living water of the Holy Spirit" is that the Holy Spirit is God's life-giving gift who cleanses, renews, and strengthens the soul from within. Saint Cyril explains that just as water gives life to the earth, the Holy Spirit gives divine life to believers through Baptism and the other sacraments. The Spirit works personally in each Christian, bringing wisdom, holiness, courage, and unity with God, while always remaining one and the same Spirit. Cyril's teaching encourages Christians to open their hearts fully to the Spirit so they may live faithfully and grow into the likeness of Christ.

The principal teaching of our first reading from of the first letter of John (4:1-10) is that true Christian love begins with God, not with us. God showed His love by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to save us and bring us life. Because God loved us first—freely, sacrificially, and without waiting for us to deserve it—Christians are called to recognize His love, remain faithful to the truth about Jesus, and love others in the same self-giving way. The passage also teaches that real love is not merely a feeling or words, but an active response rooted in God's own love revealed through Christ.

Today, as our Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension we are invited to reflect on a passage from the letter of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians (4:1-24) entitled "He ascended to heaven and led captivity captive". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop.

Our Lord's ascension into heaven is essential to a complete understanding of the Christian faith because it reveals the full meaning of who Jesus is and what He accomplished. Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus did not simply "leave"; He entered into heavenly glory with His risen human body and took His place at the right hand of the Father. This means that human nature itself has been brought into communion with God, giving Christians hope that they too are called to eternal life.

For Catholics, the Ascension also explains why the Church exists and why the sacraments matter: Christ remains present and active through His Body, the Church, especially in the Eucharist. The Ascension marks the beginning of the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and prepares for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It teaches believers to live with both earthly responsibility and heavenly hope, seeking Christ not only in heaven but also in the poor, the suffering, and the life of the Church.

Saint Augustine was born at Tagaste in Africa in 354. He was unsettled and restlessly searched for the truth until he was converted to the faith in Milan and baptized by Ambrose. Returning to his homeland, he embraced an ascetic life and subsequently was elected bishop of Hippo. For thirty-four years he guided his flock, instructing it with sermons and many writings.

Saint Augustine is perhaps the most significant Christian thinker after St. Paul. He adapted Classical teaching and created a powerful theological system of lasting influence. He also shaped the practice of biblical exegesis and helped lay the foundation for much of medieval and modern Christian thought.

The legacy of Saint Augustine of Hippo is immense, shaping both Catholic theology and Western thought as a whole. He is best known for his profound writings—especially Confessions and City of God—which explore the human heart's restless search for God, the reality of sin and grace, and the meaning of history. In short, his legacy is that of a master teacher who showed that the journey to God is both deeply personal and firmly grounded in truth.

Saint Augustine is a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His most important teachings shape not only Western theology but the entire intellectual tradition of the Church. His thought deeply influenced later figures such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and remains foundational in Catholic doctrine. He died in 430.

In today's "treasure" Saint Augustine's homily teaches that Jesus Christ alone has the power to ascend to heaven because he first came down from heaven as the Son of God. Augustine explains, however, that Christ does not ascend alone: all believers who are united to him through faith, baptism, and love become members of his Body and are drawn upward with him. The homily emphasizes the deep union between Christ and the Church—where the Head has gone, the members are called to follow. Augustine's central message is that the Ascension gives Christians hope, because in Christ human nature itself has been raised toward eternal life with God.

The majestic chapters of Ephesians emphasize the unity in the church of Christ that has come about for both Jews and Gentiles within God's household, and indeed the "seven unities" of church, Spirit, hope; one Lord, faith, and baptism; and the one God. Yet the concern is not with the church for its own sake but rather as the means for mission in the world. The gifts Christ gives its members are to lead to growth and renewal. Ethical admonition is not lacking either; all aspects of human life and relationships are illumined by the light of Christ.

In our first reading today to the Ephesians, Saint Paul teaches that Christ's Ascension is not His departure from humanity but His triumph and exaltation for the sake of the Church. By "ascending into heaven and leading captivity captive," Christ conquered sin, death, and the powers that enslaved humanity, freeing people to live a new life in Him. From His heavenly glory He pours out spiritual gifts upon the Church so that believers may grow in unity, maturity, and holiness. Paul urges Christians, therefore, to leave behind their old way of living—marked by selfishness, ignorance, and sin—and to be renewed in mind and heart, becoming a people who reflect the truth, love, and holiness of Christ in everyday life.

On Saturday the Sixth Week of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle John (3:18-24) entitled "The commandment of faith and love". Our treasure, which follows, is from a homily on the Song of Songs by Saint Gregory of Nyssa, bishop.

Saint Gregory of Nyssa was a fourth century archbishop of Constantinople and a theologian. He is numbered among the Doctors of the Church. He was a contemporary and close friend of Saint Basil the Great. He is widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. He was a classically trained orator and philosopher.

The primary contribution of Saint Gregory of Nyssa to the teachings of the Catholic Church is his profound development of the spiritual and mystical understanding of the Christian life, especially the idea that the soul is called to an endless growth in God. He taught that union with God is not a static state but a continual journey deeper into divine life—a concept often described as eternal progress, grounded in the infinite nature of God.

The Song of Songs (or Canticle of Canticles) is an exquisite collection of love lyrics, arranged to tell a dramatic tale of mutual desire and courtship. It presents an inspired portrayal of ideal human love, a resounding affirmation of the goodness of human sexuality that is applicable to the sacredness and the depth of married union.

In today's treasure Saint Gregory of Nyssa's homily teaches that Christ shares His divine life and love with humanity so that believers may be united with God and with one another. Gregory explains that the "glory" Jesus gives is not earthly honor or power, but participation in God's holiness, love, and unity. Through Christ, Christians are gradually transformed into the likeness of God, especially through charity and communion with others. The homily emphasizes that true Christian perfection is found in becoming one in love, just as the Father and the Son are perfectly one.

The main teaching of today's first reading is that genuine faith in Jesus Christ must be expressed through real, active love for others. Saint John teaches that love is not merely words or feelings, but concrete actions that reflect God's own love. When believers live this way, their hearts gain confidence before God, because they are striving to obey His two great commands: to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another. John also reminds Christians that the Holy Spirit dwelling within them is the sign of their union with God and strengthens them to live in faith, love, and obedience.

On Friday the Sixth Week of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle John (3:11-17) entitled "Love one another". Our treasure, which follows, is from a treatise on John by Saint Augustine, bishop.

Saint Augustine is perhaps the most significant Christian thinker after St. Paul. He adapted Classical teaching and created a powerful theological system of lasting influence. He also shaped the practice of biblical exegesis and helped lay the foundation for much of medieval and modern Christian thought.

The legacy of Saint Augustine of Hippo is immense, shaping both Catholic theology and Western thought as a whole. He is best known for his profound writings—especially Confessions and City of God—which explore the human heart's restless search for God, the reality of sin and grace, and the meaning of history. In short, his legacy is that of a master teacher who showed that the journey to God is both deeply personal and firmly grounded in truth.

Saint Augustine is a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His most important teachings shape not only Western theology but the entire intellectual tradition of the Church. His thought deeply influenced later figures such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and remains foundational in Catholic doctrine. He died in 430.

His tractates on John give us a glimpse of the man that we do not often get from his other works. Augustine's preaching shows us not only his brilliant mind and rhetorical skills as he expounds upon the Scriptures but also the great love he had for Christ and for the faithful entrusted to his care.

Today's treasure from Augustine entitled "Two Kinds of Life" teaches that there are two ways of living: one centered on active service in the world and another centered on contemplative prayer and love of God. Augustine explains that both forms of life are good and necessary, but the contemplative life is the higher goal because it leads more directly to the eternal joy of seeing God. The main takeaway is that Christian life should integrate both action and prayer, with all activity ultimately ordered toward loving communion with God.

Our first reading today, from First Epistle of John, teaches that true Christian life is shown in concrete, selfless love for others. Saint John contrasts love with hatred, using the example of Cain to show that indifference or hostility toward others is incompatible with life in God. He teaches that love must be active and sacrificial, even to the point of laying down one's life for others, as Christ did. The essential message is that authentic faith is proven by mercy, generosity, and care for those in need, not just by words or beliefs.

Today, May 14, as our Church celebrates the Feast of Matthias, Apostle, we are invited to reflect on a passage from the Acts of the Apostles (5:12-32), entitled "The apostles in the primitive Church". Our treasure, which follows, is from a homily on the Acts of the Apostles by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop.

Saint Matthias, whose name means "gift of God", was the disciple chosen by God through the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot following the latter's betrayal of Jesus and his subsequent death. His calling as an apostle is unique, in that his appointment was not made personally by Jesus, who had already ascended into heaven, and it was also made before the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the early Church.. The Acts of the Apostles state that he was also one of the 72 disciples that the Lord Jesus sent out to preach the good news. Matthias was with the Lord since His Baptism, and was "a witness to Christ's Resurrection," according to St. Peter in Acts. He remained with Jesus until His Ascension.

Saint John Chrysostom was an important, fourth century, Early Church Father who served as Archbishop of Constantinople. He is known for his preaching and public speaking, and for his denunciation of abuse of authority of both ecclesiastical and political leaders. He was among the most prolific authors in the early Christian church. The word 'Chrysostom' means 'golden-mounted'. This name was given to him after he died because all his sermons were eloquent and lovely to hear.

In today's treasure Saint John Chrysostom teaches that the Church must rely on prayer, humility, and God's guidance when making important decisions. Reflecting on the apostles choosing Matthias to replace Judas, Chrysostom emphasizes that they did not act out of ambition or personal preference, but sought the will of God for the good of the Church. The main takeaway is that Christian leadership and service are not about power or status, but about faithfully accepting the mission God gives and trusting His wisdom above human judgment.

The first reading today from Acts of the Apostles 5:12–32 explains how the power of the risen Christ was working through the apostles, and no earthly authority could stop the spread of the Gospel. The passage shows the apostles performing healings and miracles, courageously preaching despite persecution, and refusing to remain silent when ordered to stop. Peter's declaration, "We must obey God rather than men," expresses the central message: faithful discipleship requires trust in God and courage to witness to Christ even in the face of opposition or suffering.

On Wednesday the Sixth Week of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle John (2:18-29) entitled "Concerning the antichrist". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope.

Saint Leo the Great's primary contribution to the teachings of the Catholic Church was his clear articulation of the two natures of Christ—fully divine and fully human—united in one person. In his famous Tome of Leo, he explained that Jesus Christ possesses both natures without confusion or division, a teaching that was affirmed by the bishops at the Council of Chalcedon and became a cornerstone of Catholic Christology. Leo also strengthened the understanding of the authority of the Bishop of Rome as successor of Saint Peter the Apostle, helping shape the doctrine of the papacy while safeguarding the Church's teaching about who Christ truly is.

Today's treasure is from Pope Leo I's sermon "The Days Between the Resurrection and Ascension of Our Lord," wherein he teaches that the forty days after Christ's Resurrection were meant to strengthen the faith of the disciples and prepare the Church for its mission. During this time, Jesus appeared repeatedly to His followers to prove that He had truly risen in the body and to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures and the mystery of salvation. The main takeaway is that Christ's Ascension was not His departure from humanity, but the exaltation of human nature into God's presence, giving believers hope that they too are called to share in His heavenly life.

The main teaching from today's first reading (John 2:18–29), is that Christians must remain faithful to the true teaching about Jesus Christ and not be led astray by false teachers. Saint John explains that the "antichrist" spirit is found in those who deny that Jesus is the Christ and who separate themselves from the truth handed on by the apostles. He encourages believers to remain rooted in the faith they received, guided by the Holy Spirit, so that they may continue living in communion with Christ and confidently await His return.

On Tuesday the Sixth week of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle John (2:12-17) entitled "Obedience to the will of God". Our treasure, which follows, is from a commentary on the Gospel of John by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop.

Saint Cyril's great Commentary on John focuses its theological fire power against Arianism. The commentary, which is addressed to catechists, displays Cyril's breath-taking mastery of the full content of the Bible and his painstaking attention to detail as he seeks to offer practical teaching on the cosmic story of God's salvation.

In today's treasure, "Christ is the Bond of Unity", Saint Cyril explains that Jesus unites believers to Himself and to one another through the Holy Spirit. By sharing in Christ's life—especially through the Eucharist and the Spirit—the faithful become one body in Him, despite their differences. Cyril teaches that Christian unity is not merely agreement or friendship, but a real spiritual communion rooted in Christ Himself, who draws people into union with God and with each other.

The first reading today from the First Epistle of John teaches that true communion with God is shown through faith in Jesus Christ, obedience to His commandments, and genuine love for others. The letter emphasizes that "God is love," and therefore Christians must live in the light by rejecting sin, practicing forgiveness, and loving one another sacrificially. It also assures believers of God's mercy and eternal life while warning against false teachings and a faith that exists only in words rather than actions.

On Monday the Sixth week of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle John (2:1-11) entitled "The new commandment". Our treasure, which follows, is from the treatise On the Trinity by Didymus of Alexandria.

Didymus the Blind was a 4th-century Christian teacher and theologian from Alexandria who made an important contribution to the Church through his deep biblical scholarship and defense of orthodox doctrine. Despite losing his sight as a child, he became head of the famous Catechetical School of Alexandria and was renowned for his extraordinary memory and mastery of Scripture.

He is best known for his strong defense of the divinity of the Holy Spirit against Arian and Semi-Arian errors, helping to clarify the Church's teaching on the Trinity during a critical period of doctrinal development. His work On the Holy Spirit was especially influential in affirming that the Spirit is fully God, equal with the Father and the Son.

In addition, Didymus contributed through extensive biblical commentaries, particularly using the allegorical method common in the Alexandrian tradition (following figures like Origen). He helped shape how Scripture could be read both literally and spiritually, influencing later theologians such as St. Jerome.

The primary teaching of today's treasure from Didymus the Blind's "The Holy Spirit renews us in Baptism" is that Baptism is not just a symbolic act but a real transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, a person is cleansed from sin, given new life, and reborn as a child of God. Didymus emphasizes that the same Spirit who is divine and life-giving makes us spiritually new, enabling us to share in God's life and begin living as renewed, holy people.

In today's first reading from First Epistle of John (2:1–11), the main takeaway is that truly knowing Jesus Christ means both turning away from sin and living out His commandment of love. Christ is our advocate when we fall, but genuine faith is shown by obedience—especially loving others as He loves us. For Catholics, the message is that love is not optional but essential: to walk in God's light is to reject hatred, practice forgiveness, and actively love others, which is the clearest sign of living in communion with Him.

On the Sixth Sunday of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the beginning of the first letter of the apostle John (1:1-10) entitled "The word of life and the light of God". Our treasure, which follows, is from a commentary on the second letter to the Corinthians by Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop.

Saint Cyril was born in 370 and lived a monastic life. He was ordained a priest and succeeded his uncle as bishop of Alexandria where he served from 412 to 444. He was enthroned when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. He had a preeminent role at the Council of Ephesus; he fought bravely against the doctrines of Nestorius, and wrote many learned works explaining and defending the Catholic faith.

Saint Cyril is best known for defending the truth that Jesus Christ is one divine Person with both a fully human and fully divine nature, and for strongly upholding that Mary is rightly called Theotokos ("God-bearer"). He played a central role at the Council of Ephesus, where this teaching was affirmed against error. His legacy is his clear defense of the unity of Christ and the truth of the Incarnation, which remains essential to Catholic belief.

Saint Cyril is counted among the Church Fathers and also as a Doctor of the Church. His reputation within the Christian world has resulted in his titles, "Pillar of Faith" and "Seal of all the Fathers". Cyril died in 444.

Today's treasure taken from his commentary on 2 Corinthians titled "God has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation", Saint Cyril teaches that through Jesus Christ, God has restored humanity's relationship with Himself, not counting our sins against us but offering forgiveness and new life. This reconciliation is both a gift and a mission: those who receive it are called to share it with others. For Catholics, the main takeaway is to accept God's mercy with gratitude and to become instruments of that same mercy—promoting forgiveness, healing, and unity in the world.

In the opening of First Epistle of John (1:1–10), the main takeaway is that Jesus Christ reveals God as light—pure truth and holiness—and invites us into real fellowship with Him. To live in that light, we must walk in truth, not deny our sins, but honestly confess them so we can receive God's forgiveness and cleansing. For Catholics, the message is clear: authentic faith means living in openness before God, rejecting sin, and staying in communion with Him and with one another through a life of repentance and grace.

On Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of Revelation (22:10-21) entitled "Come, Lord Jesus, the fulfillment of our hope". Our treasure, which follows, is from a discourse on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop.

Saint Augustine was born at Tagaste in Africa in 354. He was unsettled and restlessly searched for the truth until he was converted to the faith in Milan and baptized by Ambrose. Returning to his homeland, he embraced an ascetic life and subsequently was elected bishop of Hippo. For thirty-four years he guided his flock, instructing it with sermons and many writings.

Saint Augustine is perhaps the most significant Christian thinker after St. Paul. He adapted Classical teaching and created a powerful theological system of lasting influence. He also shaped the practice of biblical exegesis and helped lay the foundation for much of medieval and modern Christian thought.

The legacy of Saint Augustine of Hippo is immense, shaping both Catholic theology and Western thought as a whole. He is best known for his profound writings—especially Confessions and City of God—which explore the human heart's restless search for God, the reality of sin and grace, and the meaning of history. In short, his legacy is that of a master teacher who showed that the journey to God is both deeply personal and firmly grounded in truth.

Saint Augustine is a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His most important teachings shape not only Western theology but the entire intellectual tradition of the Church. His thought deeply influenced later figures such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and remains foundational in Catholic doctrine. He died in 430.

In our treasure today from a the discourse "The Easter Alleluia" by Saint Augustine, the main takeaway is that the joy expressed in "Alleluia" during Easter is a foretaste of the eternal joy of heaven. Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death, and believers are called to live now in hope and praise, even amid life's struggles. For Catholics, the message is to let their lives reflect this Easter joy by trusting in Christ's victory, persevering through trials, and looking forward to the day when they will praise God forever in perfect happiness.

The primary teaching in our first reading today from the Book of Revelation (22:10–21) is a final, urgent call to live in readiness for Christ's return, grounded in the certainty that He is coming soon to judge and to fulfill His promises.

The passage emphasizes that the message of this prophecy is not to be sealed up but proclaimed, because the time is near. Human choices are shown as decisive and ongoing—those who do good must continue in righteousness, and those who choose evil bear responsibility for their path. Into this urgency comes the voice of Jesus Christ, declaring that He is "the Alpha and the Omega" and that He will repay each person according to their deeds.

There is both invitation and warning: those who "wash their robes" are welcomed into eternal life, symbolized by access to the tree of life and the holy city, while those who reject God remain outside. The Spirit and the Church together extend an open invitation—"Come"—offering the gift of life freely to all who will receive it.

The book closes with a solemn affirmation of the truth of this revelation and a longing for Christ's return: "Come, Lord Jesus."

In essence, the teaching is that believers are called to persevere in faith and holiness, respond to God's invitation, and live with hopeful expectation, knowing that Christ's return will bring both justice and the fulfillment of eternal life.