Fellow Citizens in God’s Household

Fellow Citizens in God’s Household

October 23, 2012

Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

By Beth DeCristofaro

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. (Ephesians 2 12:19-20)

Jesus said to his disciples:  "Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.  Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. (Luke 12:35-37)

Piety

I will listen for what God, the LORD, has to say;

surely he will speak of peace

To his people and to his faithful.

May they not turn to foolishness!

Near indeed is his salvation for those who fear him;

glory will dwell in our land.

Love and truth will meet;

justice and peace will kiss.

      (Psalm 85:9-10)

Study

On Sunday, seven people were canonized including an American Nun and a Native American woman.  Sr. Marianne Cope and Kateri Tekakwitha both knew how to light their lamps and hold themselves vigilant for the Master’s return .  Mother Cope spent her life caring for lepers who were largely unlovable and uncared for.    St. Kateri was known for her deep piety which included many hours spent in prayer including for her own people who exiled her.  Indeed they seemed to practice what Paul said:  they did not see strangers but holy ones part of a holy household with Jesus as their capstone.

And now their lives will help us as we strive to remain alert to the Master’s return while striving to serve our fellow citizens of God’s household.

Action

Both of these women had difficult lives but certainly within their lives justice and peace kissed.  I do not have any of their struggles.  But our world continues to have great darkness.  How vigilant am I?  Do I hold my Christ light up or let its light dim through frustration, anger, helplessness, sole focus on my own plans, hypocrisy…  Take a moment especially in this political season and examine your conscience for foolishness rather than right reverent fear of the Lord.