OUR PROMISED HOMELAND

 

 

 

Today’s readings are filled with reminders that in the final analysis, all that ultimately matters is to safely reach our promised homeland...

We make our way towards the light of our heavenly home with the grace of Christ leading us and showing us the way ^{Note 1}.   We are a Royal Priesthood, because we are united to the body of Christ, we hope for an everlasting Kingdom ^{Note 1}.  We have no lasting city in this life, but we look for one in the life to come ^{Note 2}. Reveal the light of Your truth and enable us to return to the right path. ^{Note 3}.  We offer to God the sacrifice of a blameless life ^{Note 1}.   May our prayers rise up to You, O Lord, purify us by Your graciousness that we may conform to the mysteries of Your mighty love ^{Note 4}.  Help us work not for food that cannot last but work for food that endures to eternal life ^{Note 5}.  One day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere…the threshold of the house of God I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked ^{Note 6}.  Grant we pray, that putting off our old self with all its ways, we may live as Christ did ^{Note 7}.  

 

Note 1 – St Bede (paraphrased), taken from the 2^nd Reading of the Office of Reading (25 Apr 2020)

Note 2 – Hebrews 13:14

Note 3 – Prayer from Universalis, Office of Reading (25 Apr 2020)

Note 4 – Prayer over the Offerings, Mass (25 Apr 2020)

Note 5 – John 6:27

Note 6 – Psalm 83 (84)

Note 7 – Collect , Mass (25 Apr 2020)