"To live in the world without belonging to the world summarizes the essence of the spiritual life. The spiritual life keeps us aware that our true house is not the house of fear, in which the powers of hatred and violence rule, but the house of love, where God resides" (Henri Nouwen).

If we do not keep our eyes on the prize, namely life in and with Christ, then we will be distracted by the allurements along the journey and lose our way. This can easily happen and it is the desire of the Devil that he does all he can to ensure that it does happen. But we belong to Christ, who sends his angels to guide, guard and defend us. St. Paul reminds us that we are citizens and heirs of heaven. Each day we need to remind ourselves of the journey we are on, of the desire of God for us and on our true identity and destination.