Something Beautiful For God

To the casual observer walking or driving by, there is nothing special about this place. From the outside, it possesses nothing that would draw attention to itself. A bluish gray house sitting at the corner of a busy street. That is all it is. And unlike many of the other antiquated homes surrounding it, which have been beautifully restored to reflect the grandeur of an earlier period in history, there is nothing particularly pretty about this house. In fact, it is rather forgettable. But for me, this house, the St. Joseph Catholic Worker House, is hallowed ground, a sacred space. Within these aged walls, the naked are clothed, the hungry are fed, the thirsty are given drink, and the hopeless and downtrodden are welcomed with open arms. Come in, you who are weary, the house seems to whisper. Find rest. Know that you are a child of God, created in His image and a wanted guest. May you find physical and spiritual nourishment as you dine at a table encircled by strangers who will become friends, for Christ is present in your midst.

Prayer For This House

Louis Untermeyer

May nothing evil cross this door,

And may ill fortune never pry

About these windows; may the roar

And rain go by.

Strengthened by faith, these rafters will

Withstand the batt'ring of the storms;

This hearth though all the world grow chill,

Will keep us warm.

Peace shall walk softly through these rooms,

Touching our lips with holy wine,

Till ev'ry casual corner blooms

Into a shrine.

Laughter shall drown the raucous shout;

And, though these shelt'ring walls are thin'

May they be strong too keep hate out

And hold love in.

Thank you Molly for finding and sharing this lovely poem.