“The whole life of the good Christian is holy desire”
Augustine – Homily on the First Letter of John
We are the twelve gates,
each a single pearl,
unbarred and unshut,
endlessly open wide
so that all may enter.
Here it is forever the Eighth Day,
illuminated by God himself,
for where God is, light must be,
and the darkness of hurt and fear
and tears are wiped away.
Sing, ye streets of glassy gold.
Sing, ye walls of precious stone.
Sing, ye who enter and live.
Sing to our bedazzling God.
We sing to you, Three-in-One,
who on the First Day
ignited light into the void.
We sing to you, Torch of God,
God-Come-Near,
who stepped across existence,
welcomed by poor shepherds
and travelers from afar,
a common manger and
a woman who said yes to an angel.
You enkindled dark lands with light
to save the Lord’s Delight.
Come all who walk the highway of God.
Come all who drink the water of life.
Come all who buy food without coins.
Enjoy forever the light of the City of God.