In today's Office of Readings we encounter a reading from a on treatise on the Lord's Prayer by St Cyprian (210-258 A.D.). Cyprian was born in Carthage (North Africa) and spent most of his life in the practice of the law. He was converted to Christianity, and was made bishop of Carthage in 249. He steered the church through troubled times, including the persecution of the emperor Decius, when he went into hiding so as to be able to continue looking after the church. In 258 the persecution of the emperor Valerian began. Cyprian was first exiled and then, on the 14th of September, executed, after a trial notable for the calm and courtesy shown by both sides. Cyprian’s many letters and treatises shed much light on a formative period in the Church’s history, and are valuable both for their doctrine and for the picture they paint of a group of people in constant peril of their lives but still determined to keep the faith. For a reflection, "As God's children, let us remain in the peace of God," please click on the image. Peace be with you!
Divine Office | As God’s children, let us remain in the peace of God
