Walking with exiles

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the one that is to come.” [Hebrews 13:14]

In life, we will leave various footprints and strive to find a place of enduring stability. However, in this world, there is no one place that fully meets this standard. Therefore, there are always those who go on exile to seek that “lasting city.”

“The ultimate meaning of our ‘journey’ in this world is the search for our true homeland, the Kingdom of God inaugurated by Jesus Christ.” [Pope Francis, 2022]. Within the chapel of St. Francis University, a stained glass window adorns the space just behind the Resurrection crucifix, portraying a radiant city—the New Jerusalem: “God’s dwelling… with the human race.” [Revelation 21:3]. This dwelling is “the city with foundations, whose architect and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). His plan encompasses an ongoing masterpiece, tirelessly crafted day and night; akin to what Peter once said to Jesus, for we not only witness the splendour of Christ but also actively partake in it through “personal conversion and the transformation of reality, so that it can correspond ever more fully to the divine plan” [Pope Francis, 2022].  

God’s plan is essentially inclusive and gives priority to those living on the existential peripheries, where no one must be excluded. However, in our daily lives, how do we treat our brothers and sisters? Justice is an essential element in the construction of the kingdom of God, which is to be built with those living on the existential peripheries, so that we can reach the “lasting city.” 

This Sunday reminds us to listen to the words of Christ [see Matthew 17:5], to embrace the most vulnerable, and to practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy depicted on the walls of the university’s chapel. 

Lenten Campaign Organising Committee, 2024