aeternus

You know, every once and awhile a soul can get a little confused by all the distractions of the world.  Living in our day it is difficult to “stay hidden in Christ” and keep our hearts united to His in the midst of our own turmoil and daily mundane struggles.  I think I can say with certainty that we all feel a bit trodden upon at times.  We may do our best to “offer it up” but a soul can get weary!

In the middle of one of my own wearisome battles a certain grace came to me in the form of a comment to this little blog.  Its message of hope in the beauty of a peaceful eternity of love and fellowship with our God and all His holy Angels and Saints came at just the right time.  It was like a loving smack on my tired brain to say, “Hey Lady, stay the course, be strong, never fear, I AM with you!”   Well, it may have been even more than a smack because it produced in me a good old long cry which has invigorated my soul once again.  I thank the sender immensely and will always pray for him!!!  AMEN! AMEN!

Here is the quotation I am passing along.  It is from a sermon by  St. Venerable Bede and is currently prayed in the traditional breviary at II Nocturns.  (I think it was that Nocturn part which inspired me to post the photo above which I took a few weeks ago.  It is of two Great Horned Owls at sunset who happen to be our neighbors.  You may have to play “Where’s Waldo” to spot the 2nd owl.)  I hope the quote will inspire your soul…

“Never shall there be discord anywhere there, but all things in harmony.  For everywhere there, things are in such concord that all the Saints are at unity with each other in one peace and joy.  Everywhere there, all things are tranquil and quiet.  Perpetual is the splendour there ; not like unto the sunlight which we know here, but a light which is the brighter, as it is the more blessed.  For that city, as saith Scripture, needeth not the light of the sun, because the Lord Almighty doth enlighten it by the Lamb which is the Light thereof.  There the Saints shall shine like as the brightness of the firmament, and they that have turned many to righteousness, as the stars, for ever and ever.

And so there is no night there, no darkness, no gathering of clouds, no asperity of heat or cold.  But such is the nature of things there as no eye hath seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, except of those only who have been found worthy to enjoy it, whose names are written in the book of life ; and who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and are before the throne of God, serving him day and night.  There is no old age anywhere there, nor misery of old age, for all are come to perfect manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

But far above all these things is the fellowship there.  That is, to enjoy the companionship of the heavenly citizens : to look upon the choirs of Angels and Archangels, of Thrones and Dominions, Principalities, Powers, and all the heavenly Virtues on high : and to behold the army of the Saints shining more gloriously than the stars ; of the Patriarchs glowing with faith ; of the Prophets rejoicing in hope ; of the Apostles judging the world reformed into twelve tribes of the new Israel ; of the Martyrs resplendent in their ruddy crowns of victory ; and of the Virgins wearing garlands of the purest white.”