“And he dreamed that there was a ladder[a] set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” Genesis 28:12
This week ‘Faith on the Road’ takes us to a different location, one to which we can all travel. Our home Catholic Church.
Do we come to this place in a state of awe? Do we leave with a sense of wonder at the magnificent miracle that occurs within its walls?
“Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!” And he was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”” Genesis 28:16-17
God IS present in this place! He IS here and absolutely fully present in the Eucharist. But, how often do we recognize this glory when we visit? Is Mass so common that it becomes ordinary and boring?
The miracle of the Mass is beyond this world. It is a connecting of earth and Heaven. There is the well known painting in the Sistine Chapel in which Michelangelo shows God and man stretching fingers toward each other but not quite able to touch. Mass is the moment when God’s outstretched hand in fact does come in contact with ours. Mass is that moment when God’s Kingdom fully comes upon earth and earth is raised to God’s throne. In this moment, angels are truly descending and ascending. The gift we offer to God, bread and wine at the hands of the priest and the gifts from our hands are snatched up and raised to the very throne of God as an offering.
Yet, so many don’t see this miracle. If we truly saw the awe and wonder within the Catholic Church, who would ever want to leave? But, leaving is part of this holy moment.
At the end of Mass, the priest or deacon sends us forth with the words, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” These words are a blessing of mission to take the awesome miracles that have occurred before our eyes out to tell the whole world. Yet how many simply just get out?
Like Jacob, God sends us out with His blessing and the knowledge that He never will leave us alone to what He wants us to do. God sends us out to the world to spread His Gospel always with an invitation to return to His side again. We are sent forth along the Road of Faith to find wayward souls, lost and scared little lambs, that we may tell of the great grace and gifts God offers to all.
“Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”” Genesis 28:15
As many prophecies including the Warning and Garabandal, tell us, in the end, all faithful souls will come home to the Catholic Church, starting with God’s people. So, why not start filling the pews now?
Very nice comments Ed!!
Can’t wait to see you guys. Looks like Thurs late afternoon then to you for Fri and Sat. Hope that is still ok!
Blessed and highly favored! 😎