Saint Cyril of Jerusalem’s Lenten Catechesis: "Your Accumulated Offenses Do Not Surpass God's Mercies."

"God loves human beings, and loves them in no small measure. Don't say I have fornicated and Committed adultery. I have done dreadful things not only once, but often. Will he ever forgive me? Listen to the psalmist; ‘How great is the abundance of your goodness O Lord.’ Your accumulated offenses do not surpass the abundance of God's mercies. Your wounds are not greater than the physician’s skill. Just give yourself up in faith. Tell the physician your ailment. With David say, ‘I will confess my sin to the Lord and you forgave the wickedness of my heart,’ and the same shall be done to you. So, you will both receive forgiveness for your former sins and also be counted worthy of the heavenly gift. You will thus inherit the heavenly kingdom with all the saints in Christ Jesus."

— St. Cyril of Jerusalem

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Prayer to St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Father, through Cyril of Jerusalem you led your Church to a deeper understanding of the mysteries of salvation. Let his prayers help us to know your Son and to be born into eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.