The Ancient Witnesses

206 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

This is the faith that our Savior praises —Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. ” 75 “When do the disciples get to tell what they know about Jesus?” asked Preacher. “When he rose from the dead,” replied Cyril, “he commanded that the mystery should be revealed to all the inhabitants of the earth, setting before every man justification by faith, and the cleansing efficacy of holy baptism. For he said, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all those things which I have commanded you. And Lo! I am with you always, even unto the end of the world .” 76 The Transfiguration “Peter’s confession of Christ as Lord is followed by Jesus’ glorious appearance with Moses and Elijah on the mountain, while Peter, John and James look on,” said Mentor. 77 He then read the account from Matthew’s Gospel and invited Cyril to continue his teaching. If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and

75 Cyril of Alexandria and R. Payne Smith, 218

76 Cyril of Alexandria and R. Payne Smith, 220.

77 See Matt. 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36.