Through Lent with Pope Francis
At the end, we will find ourselves face to face with the infinite beauty of God (cf 1 Cor 13:12), and be able to read with admiration and happiness the mystery of the universe, which with us will share in unending plenitude. Even now we are journeying towards the sabbath of eternity, the new Jerusalem, towards our common home in heaven. Jesus says: “I make all things new” (Rev 21:5).
In the meantime, we come together to take charge of this home which has been entrusted to us, knowing that all the good which exists here will be taken up into the heavenly feast. In union with all creatures, we journey through this land seeking God, for “if the world has a beginning and if it has been created, we must enquire who gave it this beginning, and who was its Creator”.
Let us sing as we go. May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.
Laudato si’ 243, 172, 244
Scripture
John 15:11-15 NIV
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Thought for Today
When I look at the world around me, where do I most experience the presence of my beloved God? In relationships, in the beauty of nature, the arts, music?
In the challenge to move beyond my comfort to expand and grow in God’s call to care for our common home and for those who are considered least in our world, how can I be a light and hope for others?
How might God call me to bring God’s very light into this world?
Love is always expressed in gratitude for all God gives so abundantly. Take some time to savour all that God has given me and take time to sit with God and express my love and gratitude to God.
Music
One more step along the world I go, Billy Doze