Our Savior Church, Manhattan, New York
This past Sunday we celebrated the glorious feast of the Transfiguration. Such great spiritual lessons can be garnered from this commemoration, not least of which can be taken from St. Peter’s famous phrase: “Lord, it is good for us to be here!” Oftentimes, we understand this as a message that helps us not to cling to the consolations God gives, but to follow Christ wherever he may lead, even to the cross. While this is indeed true, perhaps there is another way to apply this Scripture as well.
On a trip into New York City some years ago, I stumbled upon a Catholic church on Park Avenue that had strikingly beautiful artwork, unlike any I had seen in a contemporary, Roman rite church. Amidst all of the images, one element stood out in particular. Above the powerful center icon of Christ were the words “LORD IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE”. In an instant, I was filled with joy and exclaimed to myself, “YES! IT IS VERY, VERY GOOD!”
How often could these words be prayed throughout one’s day. It is a simple phrase that embodies the spirit of rejoicing in the presence of the Lord—in Church in the presence of the Eucharist, as well as at every moment, wherever we may be. This fundamental joy is at the heart of the Christian vocation, a vocation to delight in the presence of Christ who came to earth to be with us. Lord it is good for us to be here, with You!
Beloved Sisters in Chris,
The sanctuary in that Church was the inspiration and dedication of its pastor emeritus, Fr George Rutler, whose thoughts are shared widely on the web, notably on EWTN. Fr George was a former Anglican convert, following in the footsteps at Oxford of Cardinal Saint John Henry Newman, whose scholarship he reflects on and reminds one of.
Thank you for letting us know its source of inspiration!