Bearers Of The Ark

The First Reading of today's commemoration of St. Claire, Virgin, brings forth an expression which echoes profoundly in my heart. "While all Israel crossed over on dry ground, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD remained motionless on dry ground in the bed of the Jordan until the whole nation had completed the passage." (Jos 3:17). The priestly bearers of the ark is a term used to define priests in the Chosen Nation. I like this expression very  much. It drives a valid message to all of us. The Ark of Covenant of the Lord is in the hands of priests...while the whole nation completes the passage... Let us pray so the hands of priests may hold fast the Ark of Covenant always - to the Holy Scripture, to tabernacle, to Eucharist, to sacraments, to powerful interceding priestly prayer, while the Church completes the passage from this life to the House of the Father...St. Claire, pray for us!