“A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:1-3)

When we partake of the Eucharistic banquet and receive Jesus Eucharistic, we are commissioned to go out into the world as apostles of Christ. We live our faith, hope, and love, thus proclaiming the Word of God by our actions. This is how we become “a nation of firm purpose.”

The world will tempt us and ours to turn away from God, yet at that moment, our hearts become the fortresses of God’s Kingdom. We are God’s solid outposts of the faith and the strong walls of the New Jerusalem!

When we stand firm in our belief, living the love we receive from our Lord, we become his castles, battlements, and outposts… Through Christ, we become a safe haven for our brothers and sisters, where they can lay their heads to rest. We are then God’s holy nation, the “one that keeps the faith.”

When we courageously stand up together for our faith, the Mass becomes the center of our city. More than our gathering place, it is our town hall, where we are community.

The Eucharist is then our sustenance. It is our bread and wine. In the feast of the Lord, where we are nourished, we are “kept in his peace.”

“Open to me the gates of justice; I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD. This gate is the LORD’s; the just shall enter it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior.” (Psalm 118:19-21)

Let us Pray:

Lord, through your sacrifice of love, you have made us citizens of your mighty nation and members of your loving family. You have claimed us! Help us to be strong outposts of the faith and a place of rest for your loved ones. Amen.