He Is Our....

"He is our sanctification, as himself being purity, that the pure may be encompassed by his purity.

He is our redemption, because he sets us free who were held captive under sin, giving himself as a ransom for us, the sacrifice to make expiation for the world.

He is our resurrection, because he raises up, and brings to life again, those who were slain by sin."

      - Gregory of Nazianzus (4th Century)

Hat Tip:  Kingdom People -Trevin Wax

The One Who Prays But Hears Prayers

A glorious glimpse into the mystery of the Trinity and the paradox of Christ being both human and divine from St. Gregory of Nazianzus:

Jesus was baptized as Man— but He remitted sins as God…
He was tempted as Man, but He conquered as God…
He hungered— but He fed thousands…
He thirsted— but He cried, If anyone thirst, let him come unto Me and drink…
He was wearied, but He is the Rest of them that are weary and heavy laden…
He was heavy with sleep, but He walked lightly over the sea…
He prays, but He hears prayer…
He weeps, but He causes tears to cease…
He asks where Lazarus was laid, for He was Man; but He raises Lazarus, for He was God…
He is sold for a cheap thirty pieces of silver; but He redeems the world at the great price of His own blood.
As a sheep He is led to the slaughter, but He is the Shepherd of Israel, and now of the whole world.
As a Lamb He is silent, yet He is the Word…
He is bruised and wounded, but He heals every disease and every infirmity.
He is lifted up and nailed to the Tree, but by the Tree of Life He restores us;
He dies, but He gives life, and by His death destroys death.
He is buried, but He rises again…

- Gregory of Nazianzus (329-89), On the Son

Hat Tip: Jesus: Fully Human, Fully Divine : Kingdom People

More about Gregory in Wikipedia