To protect us

“A strong city have we; 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.” (Is 26: 1-2)

Old Romans used to say: “good fences make good neighbors.” When we respect our borders (fences), we respect our differences and individualities and we can, on the basis of this respect, build a good neighborhood. Our Lord “sets up walls and ramparts” with sacraments and sacramentals, not only “to protect us,” but also to “open up the gates to let in a nation … that keeps faith.” We need to be protected, and at the same moment, we need to be open for relationships.

“You, o Lord, are close, and all your ways are truth. From of old I have known your decrees, for you are eternal.” (Entrance Antiphon)