Prologue Verses 19-22
| What, dear brothers, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us? See how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life. Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works, let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide, that we may deserve to see him who called us to his kingdom (1 Thess 2:12). If you wish to dwell in the tent of this kingdom, we will never arrive unless we run there by doing good deeds. |
Commentary
Being a Benedictine Oblate strengthens your baptismal promises. You put on Christ. Today’s passage reminds us of this idea of putting on Christ. Saint Paul also reminds us to draw strength from the Lord. Paul tells us,
“Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11).
To put on Christ is focused on what Christ is doing in us. It is not about taking in as much information about faith as possible. Rather, having the disposition to be molded by the Gospel values which often takes a lifetime.
We must run to his tent. To run to Christ is to run with full determination and resolve. In another translation of the Rule, the word Tabernacle is used. The tent gives this image of being on the ground and on the move with Christ. The tabernacle gives imagery of feasting together with God in his holy presence. These are two images worth contemplating.
Prayer
Take my life as it is, O God. Mold and fashion my heart to be the child that desires nothing but love you above all things. Help me run to your loving arms. Amen.
Enlarge my heart 
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