Sailing into port; Angels: Day 324

After a long and stormy voyage, says St. Cyril of Alexandria, the soul finds rest in the safe haven above, carried there by the angels of Heaven.

“The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.

The rich man also died and was buried” (Luke 16:22).

Look at the Savior’s words carefully. The poor man, he says, was carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom—but of the rich man there is nothing of the sort, but only that he died and was buried.

Those who have hope in God find that their departure from the world is a deliverance from anguish and pain. Ships that sail on the sea stand the shock of sav- age waves, and struggle with the violence of mighty winds. But afterwards, when they arrive at tranquil havens fit for their rest, they end their tossing about there. In the same way, I think, human souls, when they emerge from the turbulence of earthly things, enter the mansions that are above, like a haven of salvation. –St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Luke, Sermon 112

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

How does it change my view of death to think of it as sailing out of the storm, surrounded by angels, rather than sailing into it?

CLOSING PRAYER

Angel of God, be my guide and my help in my voyage, and bring me at last to a safe and tranquil haven.

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