“SIMON, My disciple, I have made thee a foundation of holy Church. I called thee Rock on a previous occasion, because thou shalt be the support of all the buildings; thou art the overseer of those who build My Church on earth. If they try to build anything evil, thou, the foundation, shalt reprimand them. Thou art the head of the foundation from which My doctrine shall be drunk, thou art the head of My disciples; I will give all people to drink through thee; yours is that life-giving sweetness I pour forth; I have chosen thee to be as it were the firstborn in My establishment and thou shalt become the heir of My treasures. The key of my Kingdom I have given thee. Lo, I have established thee prince over all My treasures.”
~St. Ephrem of Syria (c. 306–373): Sermons on Holy Week, 4, 1.
The Church as the Path to Salvation (detail), by Andrea da Firenze.
Fresco, 1366-67; Cappellone degli Spagnoli,
Santa Maria Novella, Florence.
