We are often struck by the history of a place—perhaps the home of a famous person or a church or public building where momentous events occurred. But we probably overlook the fact that we have a story to tell because we are the “spiritual house” that proclaims the love of Jesus. St. Peter deliberately phrases this in the passive voice—“let yourselves be built”—indicating that, as Christians, we prayerfully submit to the Lord, who builds and fashions us for a purpose. We are an essential part of that spiritual house, but the craftsmanship is God’s. How are you using your gifts to share the mercy and goodness of God? Whatever your age or stage on your journey, you will always be a “living stone!” As you give of yourself in prayer or works of charity or labor alongside others to serve your family or parish community, you are helping make this “spiritual house” a home for all.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am, for now, limited by where and how I can strengthen the walls of the Spiritual House God built. That being said, I believe my God-inspired posts and responses to online devotionals help strengthen the virtual walls. As soon as possible I plan to return to in-person mass where I can share my musical talents for the glory of God. I have also started writing my own devotionals that I hope will inspire those who read them as God inspires me to write them.
Amen!! The physical church building is not the church but we, God’s children are the church. We are the body of Christ. Every time we receive Him in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, body, blood, soul and divinity, we are sent forth to be Christ for others we encounter. Have a blessed day, LFF. I pray for all of you and your intentions on this day!!
Annie and all, as a prayer warrior I am praying for your intentions each day. My prayers alway end with “may they feel your presence oh Holy Spirit and may they be comforted in their needs”. May you feel the peace of God today.
AMEN!
*** Yes, together we are His house built on Jesus Himself when we believe and receive the Holy Spirit living is us in Ephesians 2:20-22, “Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself. We are carefully joined together in Him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through Him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by His Spirit!” *** Yes, Jesus is the cornerstone of this House declared by the Psalmist and quoted by Jesus in Matthew 21:42, “Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read what the Scriptures say,“ ‘The stone the builders didn’t accept has become the most important stone (cornerstone) of all. The Lord has done it. It is wonderful in our eyes’? (Psalm 118:22,23)” *** Yes, there are two choices to build your house in Matthew 7:24-27, “So then, everyone who hears My Words and puts them into practice is like a wise man. He builds his house on the rock. The rain comes down. The water rises. The winds blow and beat against that house. But it does not fall. It is built on the Rock. But everyone who hears My Words and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man. He builds his house on sand. The rain comes down. The water rises. The winds blow and beat against that house. And it falls with a loud crash.” ******* Do you know God’s Word? Who is cornerstone of your house? Cornerstone by Toby Mac ft Zach Williams https://youtu.be/m7NQ5AvuMPM?si=a63-PD9Jm7b5ixBy ♥️✝️♥️
I believe all of us, here at Living Faith, have built our own spiritual house, and we're each a living stone. What a lovely thought and comforting place to be....thank you, Steve. A heartfelt thanks for all who responded to my comment yesterday. Prayers are so powerful. I continue my uplifting prayers for everyone (especially those bearing a cross now), in our own spiritual church! Have a beautiful day. Sandy
Amen. The Spiritual House is wherever people proclaim the word of God, virtual or brick and mortar.
What great words Steve, thank you. If only everyone would remember that God's love is in our hearts not in the material products we have. "People of the Way" that is the true God. Blessings to all the LFF especially those needing extra care these days. May we spread the way of God through the world everyday.
Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Thank you Steve for this powerful message today.... in the Caribbean, we recognize today as Corpus Christi, a holiday day spent going to mass and religious events, remembering the Body of Christ...blessed Corpus Christi everyone
Blessed Corpus Christi Day to you, Cheryl and your whole community! It must be so beautiful there in the Caribbean!
This makes me think of St. Francis of Assisi who heard God tell him, “Rebuild my Church,” and spent a while on a mission to tend to churches in disrepair. It took him a while to realize his calling was to renew the community by devotion to the Gospel which led him to start the Franciscan Order, work with Clare and her sisters, and reach out to those on the margins.
Amen :)
It makes sense. Many people see the building as the church. The people in it are the church. Where they meet is irrelevant. Perhaps we need to keep that in mind.
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Steve, thank you for sharing such a beautiful devotional today as we all tend to our spiritual houses and share that space with others. Loved all the reflections today. Continuing to lift Annie and her family in these days that will require strength and courage. Amen.