He came to bring the Mourners Joy

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a Voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the End of the Earth; say ye, The Lord hath redeemed His Servant Jacob.

In the great Babylon, mighty in Spirit and Deeds, I was a Son of her in exalted Wickedness. I thought myself Happy and Delighted, doing all the Things that were Pleasing.

Alas! but what is found Inside the Walls of Babylon? Lies and Wickedness dwell here; no Spiritual Mourning. Hearts are filled with Lust, Strife, Anger and Revenge. She is the Seat of Sin.

But when I saw the Danger, with Sorrow I left her to go seek a Field which held a great Treasure. So I left Babylon and eagerly followed the Path to go and find this Treasure.

My Presence was soon missed on those wide Streets of Babylon. I was mocked and cursed and treated with Hostility. I tried walking Righteously, but something was still not right. Too many Sins still followed me.

But now my Heart grew stronger, and my Eyes were clearer. My Earthly Wealth was spent, and I thought again of the Field and thought: I must set my House in order and search again. A great Pearl was the Treasure I found.

O, how Happy I was! Farther along I met another traveler; His name was God’s Love. Together we walked, rejoicing in the Spirit. He led me with much Pleasantness and great Gentleness.

He led me on a Path found by Few and said, If you faithfully walk the narrow Path with Me you will inherit great Happiness that will last for Ever, but you must follow My Advice.

Because I had obeyed Him, I saw, to my relief, a great City like precious Gems in the Desert. Until now I had been defiled with the Stench of Sin that had followed me.

Although God’s Love strengthened me with the Water of Life, I doubted my Courage. Because I had wandered in Babylon, I had angered God and not Honoured Him. Now I had to plead for Forgiveness.

I often dreamed of walking that Path. I fasted from my earthly Desires until Love found me and led me boldly Forward. Behold, there is the narrow Gate! Do not turn around, do not look back to Babylon, that Cave of Sin.

But I was weak and spoiled myself with the Desires of the Flesh. But because I prayed and pleaded with God; He gave me the Strength to flee and leave the Lust of Babylon behind me, and to strive for the eternal Good.

Thus I continued to grow in God’s Love and finally I reached the Gate, but I needed to bow my Head once more. I received my Baptism there and was accepted and received my Inheritance.

Blessed is every one that loves God and humble themselves according to His Word; and does not consider Babylon’s sinful Splendor worthy of his Love, but rather is willing to suffer the rough narrow Road to Heaven.

You, who belong to Christ, do not be afraid when trouble comes. Rejoice in Suffering and Torment. Fleeing from Sin, and striving for the narrow Path, the Lord will hear our faithful and fervent Prayers.

O God! hear our every Desire; guide us with Your Spirit. Help us to build on the Foundation of Your holy Teaching. Prepare us to walk the narrow Path joy- fully in the Hope of seeing You. In Your Grace help us to reach our Goal. Amen