| IX. Choir | 10 July |
|---|---|
| “Come closer” | Engelbert |
He is here for you today, O soul, pleading before God’s Throne, sent by the Heavenly Father to meet you and take you by the hand. “Come, come closer!” he says. He is
Saint Gesannah
from the IX choir of angels. The wisdom of God, which lies over creation like a silent mystery, also allows this silent angel to speak only a little, but to intervene at the right time… like a memorial on the path of man to God.
So many people wander aimlessly and haphazardly around this world like casual labourers. They say that it is not worth starting something purposeful because everything is always thrown overboard. There is only one task for every man, however: To recognise God and to seek and walk the path to Him. This one goal does not change, notwithstanding catastrophes, war or destruction – but only a tiny proportion of mankind thinks of this. Indeed, they no longer even think about the fact that they have an immortal soul which longs for God as its origin. They do not think about the fact that one day they will be called to account.
For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul?
Mark 8:36
Just as in the Gospel the king and householder sends his servants to invite the guests to the wedding of his son, so the Father in Heaven sends his angels to invite souls to the heavenly wedding feast of the Lamb. And it is the same here as it is there: Excuses upon excuses! Here the conditions of existence go in a different direction… there the dependence on money and employers demands a different attitude… the joy of this world… the drive… the world view… they are not compatible with the invitation to come to God.
Many are called – all who bear the mark of holy Baptism on their foreheads – but there are few who get up, take care of a wedding dress and set off on the journey, which is often long and arduous. There are times of perplexity and darkness, crossroads and bends in the road where you no longer know what to do or how to proceed.
Then look up, O soul! The angel Saint Gesannah will stand before you with the crossed stole as a sign of the priestly mission (because the path to the heavenly wedding feast goes only through the Holy Church). He carries in his hand the flute of Saint Schemmajim, the angel of bridal rejoicing from the choir of High Dominions, to whom he is assigned. Saint Schemmajim sends his helpers and friends to all those who have heard the call Come, follow Me… in factories and sickrooms, in classrooms, in kitchens or in the fields… to those who have risen and are feeling their way from the hem of the cloak to the Face of God, and who will not rest until they have reached their goal.
Prayer: O strong helper, Saint Gesannah, do not let us fall away from the path or turn back, but lead us safely to our Lord and God. Amen.