The Divine House Guest of Souls
Last week I mentioned a new prayer devotion for your consideration. This new devotion, the fruit of prayer from our Adoration Chapel, has been approved by the Archdiocese of Boston and has received the nihil obstat and imprimatur. Prayer cards for this devotion are available at the Church doors.
The image of the Divine House Guest shown above, was commissioned in 2023. The original artwork by Cecilia Lawrence was done in ink and watercolor.
In the image, Our Lord is represented as the travelling Savior, who has long been out doing His work of salvation and sanctification. While searching for a place to rest for the night, He comes upon this house. He is looking for hospitality, rest and refreshment, as in the Divine House Guest prayer. The image, as well as the devotion, has its roots in Genesis 18 with the hospitality Abraham and Sarah rendered to God.
The house represents the interior house of the soul. The scene is a mystical representation of the moment prior to the reception of Holy Communion, when a soul will receive the Divine Savior, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord. The Consecrated Host above the house serves as a reminder of the reception of Holy Communion and our union with Christ.
In the house we see a modern-day Abraham and Sarah. They are prepared and ready to greet the Lord when He arrives. They have lit their lamps, made cakes of gratitude, prepared a room and are ready to offer Him their hospitality.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne