The Choir of Westminster Cathedral, directed by James O’Donnell, sing O quam gloriosum by Victoria: ‘How glorious is the kingdom, where all the saints rejoice with Christ.’

O quam gloriosum est regnum,

in quo cum Christo gaudent omnes Sancti!

Amicti stolis albis,

sequuntur Agnum, quocumque ierit.

O how glorious is the kingdom

in which all the saints rejoice with Christ,

clad in robes of white

they follow the Lamb wherever he goes.

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:19-22

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.

‘We are no longer strangers or aliens, but citizens with the saints, members of the household of God’. Can you picture this household, filled with a community of people devoted to God’s kingdom? Take a few moments to imagine this scene.

Continue imagining all the saints and apostles in this household. Is there someone you would particularly like to meet and converse with, like a recognised saint or perhaps someone whose guidance you’re grateful for on your journey of faith?

Now picture Jesus at the very heart of the household as the cornerstone. What is it like to know that he is there?

As you listen to the reading again, watch how the structure of the household has grown right from the beginning when perhaps we were still strangers or aliens.

Ephesians 2:19-22

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.

Paul describes this household as being a dwelling place for God. Pray now for a community of Christian believers known to you, giving thanks to the Lord who dwells among them and within them.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen