Flying Home; Angels: Day 305

Flying Home; Angels: Day 305 May 24, 2017

angels_augustine_2St. Augustine says that our real home is the Zion in Heaven, which is the bliss of  the angels. Though  we live here on earth for the present, we can go back home, if we wish, on wings of love.

Zion was a particular city. It fell, and among its ruins certain saints lived according to the flesh. But the true Zion, the true Jerusalem (Zion is the same as Jerusalem), is “eternal in the Heavens” (2 Cor. 5:1). She is our mother. She is the one who has given birth to us. She is the Church of the saints. She has nourished us—she who is partly a pilgrim, and partly at home in the Heavens.

The part at home in Heaven is the bliss of the angels. The part that wanders in this world is the hope of the righteous. Of the part in Heaven it is said, “Glory to God in the highest”; of the part in this world it is said, “and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:14).

If, though you live in this world, you are sighing for your native land, run by love, not by the feet of your body. Look not for ships, but for wings. Grasp the two wings of love. What are the two wings of love? Love of God, and love of our neighbor. –St. Augustine, Exposition on Ps. 149, 5

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

How firm is my grip on the two wings of love? Do I seem to be flying home to the bliss of the angels yet? What could I do to grip either wing—love of God or love of neighbor—more firmly?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, teach me to love you perfectly, and unite me by the bonds of peace and love with my neighbors, so that at last I may fly home on the wings of love to live in the bliss of your angels forever.


Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.


Browse Our Archives