Home, Home on the Road

I have been traveling for work more than usual lately.  If the stay is an extended duration, I unpack my suitcase rather than living out of it – blouses, pants and dresses are hung in the closet and undergarments and socks are in a dresser drawer.  I “move in.”

 

But, no matter how long I stay, it’s just not home.  The bed isn’t mine.   Definitely not the pillows.  Neither are the bathroom and living areas.   Even though Himself is just a phone call away, he’s not with me.

 

I have found one place, no matter where I am at, that I feel right where I belong – church.

 

I know when I through those doors I will see a crucifix, front and center.  Also prominent will be the tabernacle.  Somewhere will be the Vatican flag.

 

The most important part, though, is when Mass begins.  Regardless of where I am at, what country, what time zone, the readings, the prayers, the order of the liturgy will be the same.  The catholic-ness, with a little “c”, is apparent.  It is universal.

 

We bless ourselves in the same manner.  We say the same prayers, the same words, though perhaps in a different language.

Our Father who art in heaven.

Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos. 

Vater unser im Himmel
* * *
And with your Spirit.

Y con tu espíritu.

Und mit deinem Geist
* * *
Glory to God in the highest.

Gloria a Dios en el cielo.

Ehre sei Gott in der höchsten  

 Our faith binds us.  We are home.

 

Do I hear an Amen?

 

Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Denver, Colorado

 

Cathedral of St. Mary, Cheyenne, Wyoming

 

St. Francis of Assisi, Chester, England

AMDG