Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 10, 2020
Today, in Mercy, our readings give us the powerful description of a growing Church built on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ.
Acts shows us how that young Church organizes itself on the pattern of Christ, its Foundation.
Our reading from Peter draws on Isaiah’s dynamic metaphor:
Jesus, too, describes a mansion, a sturdy dwelling place with God. It is not some ephemeral dream. That “mansion” is Christ himself who, by his death and Resurrection, brings us home to our Original Love.
Such images help us to imagine the unimaginable, that God:
- made us in the Divine Likeness
- sent the Beloved to redeem us
- remains with us forever in the Holy Spirit
- opens the doors of eternal life to us
This unimaginable grace is a trustworthy promise which we can rest on securely, as a magnificent building rests on its cornerstone.
When the exigencies of time and circumstance assail us, we need to go lean against that Rock. It will not move, even when everything else swirls around us.
Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places…
…I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
The beautiful buildings on our Motherhouse grounds are constructed of sixteen inch thick stones, chiseled by a 19th century stonemason. On a clear, late afternoon, one western wall heats up like a vertical oven, capturing all the final sunbeams of the day. I like to lean against that wall, especially in winter, praying to the God Whose power it has absorbed. I ask that I too may absorb that power; that those for whom I pray may be wrapped in it.
Maybe today, you might find a stone like that to help you pray. Even hold a small one in your hand.
Such images can yield unexpected grace.
Music: Cornerstone – Hillsong ( Lyrics below)
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust is Jesus’ name
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust is Jesus’ name
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all
He is Lord
Lord of all, Christ alone
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all
When he shall come with trumpet sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless, stand before the throne
Cornerstone
Oh, yeah, in the Savior’s love
He is Lord
Lord of all
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all
Lavish Mercy 
Renee – I don’t think I even have to tell you why this post meant so much to me!
Thanks for the memory!
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You’re welcome, Sue.❤️
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