Children
of justice, follow John’s exhortation: “Make straight the way of
the Lord.” Remove all obstacles and stumbling blocks so that you
will be able to go straight along the road to eternal life. Through a
sincere faith prepare yourselves so that you may be free to receive
the Holy Spirit. My brothers, this is truly a great occasion.
Approach it with caution. You are standing in front of God and in the
presence of the hosts of angels. The Holy Spirit is about to impress
his seal on each of your souls. You are about to be pressed into the
service of a great king. And so prepare yourselves to receive the
sacrament. The gleaming white garments you are about to put on are
not the preparation I am speaking of, but rather the devotion of a
clean conscience.
– Saint
Cyril
of Jerusalem
