Greetings Prayer Warriors,
During the homily at Mass on Sunday, the priest gave an enlightening description of the physical space in the church which I’d like to share, understanding that the space in your church may be different. He said that the tabernacle on the altar represents heaven. The gates at the communion rail represent the gates of heaven. The nave, where the parishioners sit, represents the ship sailing towards heaven.
This description created a beautiful image. I visualized a ship with the winds of the Spirit filling its sails and journeying toward the Divine.
As I contemplated “church” my mind wandered to “domestic church”, which is the family home. If God is welcomed into our home and our marriage, He becomes the captain of that ship. However, it is not usual for any ship to experience great tempests. I next envisioned some spouses jumping off the ship (free will), and others while under the influence, falling off, but those who remained were carried to their heavenly destination.
You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
Storms within any church are difficult to weather. Let us pray that as the winds of change, the tsunami of life, and the quakes unsettle us, we may keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, and continue to allow Him to captain our ship. We pray that by focusing on His loving gaze we may never desire to leave and jump ship. May we become intoxicated only by His unwavering love and fidelity. Lord when we are nauseated by the rocky seas that swirl around us, may your hand calm the waters and bring us healing and peace. We surrender control. Come Lord Jesus, be our captain!
“Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them [as their God]. Revelation 21:3
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Heavenly hope is something to be shared. Pass it on!
