Unlikely Evangelists
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I have been attending an online Catholic Bible study lately and am finding it fascinating just how many parallels there are between the old and new testaments and the Church today. One thing, a couple of weeks ago, was when the Israelites constructed the Tabernacle to house the Ark of the Covenant. And God’s presence was always there with His People, day and night.
Of course we take it for granted nowadays; every chapel, church and cathedral has its own tabernacle housing the Blessed Sacrament and so the living God is always with us too.
What happened next was that His presence was not static. He moved. And when He moved the people moved with Him. In the Old Testament case they moved into the promised land, into enemy territory. Not just for a stroll but to conquer it, to take possession of it by overthrowing its rulers. One spectacular scene is the destruction of the walls of Jericho. Rather unconventional warfare, the Israelites marching around the city and then blowing trumpets!. With the presence of God in the Ark at the lead, God won the victory; all they had to do was follow.
I have heard tell, that there used to be frequent and widespread Eucharistic Processions in England and other European countries. I wonder what would happen if we let Him lead us out again; into the parishes, towns and cities? Into our modern day wilderness: spaces emptied of faith and hope. Would He conquer there too, given the opportunity? I have seen testimonies of Eucharistic processions; of conversions taking place, or change of Heart and return to the church by some where the walls around their hearts have been torn down by the Lord as He passed by in the streets or cast them a glance as the monstrance was elevated above them.
Rather than the fortress mentality which leaves churches locked and bolted most of the time with Jesus imprisoned inside; perhaps we could view the hostile surroundings more like Caleb and Joshua did, not without difficulty, but conquerable with Jesus in the lead... just a thought.
