he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.
Open up the gates
to let in a nation that is just,
one that keeps faith.
A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace;
in peace, for its trust in you.
Trust in the LORD forever!
For the LORD is an eternal Rock.
I haven't come to the end of the book yet, and so I'm not sure where the author is going with his very personal story, but he seems to have faith in God after an intensely personal search for proof of God's existence. It was a reassuring, comforting, and encouraging midnight moment on an empty ocean beach far from home.
But he was coming from one of those American religions that isolates believers from one another and tells them they're not saved unless they have had a personal experience of God. I suppose that if you're really curious about who will be saved and who will not be saved, that's sort of an answer. But it's a question you should not ask in the first place, and have no right to an answer.
Roman Catholics come to faith in God as members of the Church which Jesus Christ founded. As Scripture says,
"...He sets up walls and ramparts to protect us."
We remember the long history of God's fidelity to His Church -- particularly to the saints and martyrs. That story is more credible than anyone's personal experience, although we have those reassuring moments also. But without the Church to tell us what they mean, we'd be lost. As Saint John said, "test every spirit."
God has built a nation of firm purpose which he keeps in peace. This strong city comprises people of all nations, ethnic groups, and languages. There is more variety of every human characteristic than anyone can imagine, and yet we share one faith in the LORD who spoke to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and revealed himself through his only begotten Son, whom we know as Jesus Christ.
This Eternal Rock is the foundation of our faith.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.