I asked the kids what they would call a church.  This started because I was being snippy about church names, I don’t always set the best example, but it segued into a memorable discussion.  B said “Gathering,”  M. said “synagogue” and S. said “City of God.”

I like all three but I could see S’s City of God glittering in the middle distance.

She is seven.  At first I wondered, had she heard it from a sermon (Matt Chandler..) or was she ballparking?  Nope.  She read about Augustine in her history readings.  City of God…

As much as I am grateful for her beautiful history book, I am far more grateful for her shining faith. When I faced what had been done to her I knew I would have to face the question, where was God?  Why had truth taken so long, where was justice? I knew because these were my questions.

And then, frankly, the City of God’s emissaries can often disappoint.

Augustine writes a masterpiece as Rome crumbles.

Jesus says, the Kingdom of Heaven…and means NOW!

now and forever

amen