From Glory to Glory

Originally written for a grieving friend.
For all who are grieving.

From Glory to Glory

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have passed through the valley of the shadow of death, into the valley of Life.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have passed from fleeting darkness and into everlasting Light.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have traversed along the Way, and entered through the narrow Gate.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have exited the desert of Exodus, and entered into the Garden of the Promised Land.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have been borne up on wings of Angels, and welcomed by Saints.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have been led in by John the Baptist, and embraced by Mother Mary.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have been taken up the Living River, eaten from the Tree of Life.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have entered the Temple, past the altar of Martyrs.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have joined the celestial choirs, offered up the incense of prayer.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have seen the Light, and fallen on my knees in awe.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

I have heard the loving voice of the Father, seen the Face of the Son, and felt the communion of the Spirit.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

And I shall live forever, for Death hath been slain.

I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.
I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.
I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.

Living Death; Deathly Life

We are called as Christians to die to ourselves. We are called to let the Love of Christ consume us, and utterly transform us.

How is this done? I so long to die to myself, and gain Christ. In fact, I am placing myself on the edge, putting all I have known in danger, that I may find Truth.

I so yearn to lock myself away and completely spend my time in the study of Scripture, in learning from the Fathers, in immersing myself in Christ completely. And yet, I have many callings- a student, a worker, a brother, a friend.

In this fast-paced world, I long for a Sabbath rest. And yet, I cannot find it. I yearn to be utterly immolated with Divine Love of Christ, that my life might be a pleasing sacrifice unto God.

And yet, how much I am a hypocrite! I struggle in my prayer life; I do not read Holy Writ as oft as I should.

What am I to do? Why is it so hard to die to self? Why can I not carry my cross? Oh, that the Lord would reveal to me these things!

Woshiping in Spirit and in Truth

I was walking today, and that memorable quote from the discussion between Jesus and the Samaritan women came up-

"...worship the Father in spirit and in truth."

Now, I have been taught many ways to look at this verse. However, as I thought about it, I realized something- it is a Trinitarian reference.

Worship the Father in spirit (Holy Spirit) and in truth (Christ). Now, I won't get into the whole particulars about "isn't it in the Spirit, through the Son?". I know, I know- that isn't good theology. Lemme' revel in my moment of introspective revelation, okay?