The angel spoke to
me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” He
took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city
Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of
God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as
crystal. Revelation 21:9B-11
But Nathanael said to
him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and
see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true
child of Israel.” John 1:46-47A
Piety
Rule
of St. Benedict Chapter 66: On the Porters of the Monastery
At
the gate of the monastery let there be placed a wise old woman, who knows how
to receive and to give a message, and whose maturity will prevent her from
straying about. This porter should have a room near the gate, so that
those who come may always find someone at hand to attend to their business.
And as soon as anyone knocks or a poor person hails her, let her answer
"Thanks be to God" or "A blessing!" Then let her attend to
them promptly, with all the meekness inspired by the fear of God and with the
warmth of charity.
Study
Only
the richest images are called upon to describe the New Jerusalem (aka the new
church). Many of symbols were borrowed
by St. John (and his from the book of
the prophet Ezekiel. Whether penned
around 600 B.C. like the book of Ezekiel or A.D. 200 like Revelation, beyond
the symbolism, we are invited. “Come here.” “Come and see.” The east gate is unlocked and opened for
us. It remains our decision to choose to
enter or not.
As
we are invited in, all our needs will be met.
Is it any wonder that St. Benedict placed a porter at the monastery door
to provide hospitality to any visitors who knocked? Ask and you shall. Seek and ye will. Knock and the door will be. The door to
heaven opened for Nathanael on earth through the person of Jesus. It opened in a vision for Jacob. It, too, will be opened for us.
Action
When
I was in college, there was a popular poster in some rooms depicting fine
bread, grapes and wine with the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth requests the
honor of your presence at a dinner to be held in his honor?”
Sometimes
when my parents would call me to do a particular chore growing up (cutting the grass,
cleaning the pool, taking out the trash), if I did not move right away to
complete the task, I might get a stern comment, “What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation?!”
The
invitation is still open. It reads, “INRI.”
Are you ready to take the step Nathaniel takes?
Are you ready to ascend the Stairway to Heaven?
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