3.23.25

We believe that to Christ belongs creative power — that "without Him was not any thing made which was made." We believe that from Him came all life at first. In Him life was as in its deep source. He is the fountain of life. We believe that as no being comes into existence without His creative power, so none continues to exist without His sustaining energy. We believe that the history of the world is but the history of His influence, and that the centre of the whole universe is the cross of Calvary.

 —  Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) 

He cannot have God for his Father who does not have the Church as his Mother.

— Cyprian of Carthage (200-258 AD) Treatises

The Eighty-fourth Psalm  vv. 1-4, 9-12

How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts!

My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; 

My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.

The bird also has found a house, 

And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, 

Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God.

How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! 

They are ever praising You. .

Behold our shield, O God, 

And look upon the face of Your anointed.

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. 

I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God 

Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; 

The LORD gives grace and glory; 

No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

(Prayer)