Jerusalem and Babylon; Angels: Day 093

Last updated on: October 22, 2016 at 11:49 am by Pete Socks

Jerusalem and Babylon; Angels: Day 093 2016-10-12T11:52:09-05:00 Pete Socks

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Jerusalem and Babylon

The angels are citizens of the spiritual Jerusalem, says St. Augustine, and so are we. But for the present we on earth are held captive in the spiritual Babylon. We begin to be freed from our captivity as soon as we confess our sins.

You’ve heard, and you know, that there are two cities, for the present outwardly mixed up together, yet separated in heart, running together through the course of time until the end. One, whose end is everlasting peace, is called Jerusalem; the other, whose joy is peace in this world, is called Babylon. You also remember the meanings of these names: Jerusalem means “Vision of Peace,” and Babylon means “Confusion.”

Jerusalem was held captive in Babylon—but not all of it, for the angels too are its citizens. But those human beings who are predestined to the glory of God, to become fellow heirs with Christ by adoption, whom he has redeemed from this very captivity by his own blood—this part of the citizens of Jerusalem are held captive in Babylon because of sin. But they begin to go out of Babylon by confessing their sins and loving righteousness. Afterwards, at the end of the world, they will be separated from Babylon in body as well. –St. Augustine, Exposition on Ps. 137, 1

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Though I live in Babylon, what about my life distinguishes me as a citizen of the Jerusalem of the angels?

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, let me praise you with angels and archangels and the spiritual Jerusalem, the assembly of the first-born whose names are written in Heaven.

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A Year with the Angels

Mike Aquilina

Saint Augustine

Saint Benedict Press

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