Each
of us is called to be both a sacrifice to God and his priest. Do not
forfeit what divine authority confers on you. Put on the garment of
holiness, gird yourself with the belt of chastity. Let Christ be your
helmet, let the cross on your forehead be your unfailing protection.
Your breastplate should be the knowledge of God that he himself has
given you. Keep burning continually the sweet smelling incense of
prayer. Take up the sword of the Spirit. Let your heart be an altar.
Then, with full confidence in God, present your body for sacrifice.
God desires not death, but faith; God thirsts not for blood, but for
self-surrender; God is appeased not by slaughter, but by the offering
of your free will.
–-
Saint Peter Chrysologus from a sermon
