Let Us Build The House Of The Lord

The song we're uploading today was written for the dedication of Immaculate Heart of Mary's new church on January 24, 2009.  The years leading up to that date were filled with anticipation and sacrifice as the IHM parish went about the hard work of building a new house of God.  Sometimes, as perhaps might happen with any undertaking of such magnitude, anxiety and contention got the better of us, and we struggled not to lose sight of the real purpose behind all our efforts.  Looking back now, I see the journey we made as a parish as being very similar to the journey we each make as followers of Christ.  The way requires much sacrifice, and its easy to be sidetracked from our true purpose, whether that's building a church or simply going about our daily lives.  But of course, we have a hope, a recourse, against the obstacles in our path.


To borrow an image from Fr. Schillinger's homily this past Sunday, we, the living stones of the Church, must bind ourselves to the cornerstone that is Jesus Christ.  Then and there will we find the strength to persevere.  I was struck by this image on Sunday for not only do the living stones draw strength and integrity from the cornerstone, but in so doing, provide strength for the structure as a whole.  We make the Church stronger when we bind ourselves to the cornerstone.  This song is a prayer that God will give us the grace to be the living stones of His Church.  Fr. Schillinger has introduced this song at Mass as "our song."  I can think of no greater compliment.  Lyrics after the link.

Let Us Build The House Of The Lord


Refrain
With ev'ry step we take,
With ev'ry choice we make,
Let us build the house of the Lord.


Verse 1
Lord with our hands, we build a place for You.

May this be a house of life where Your myst'ries are made known.

The work is not done,

We’ve only begun.

Help us to carry on,

And in all that we do, may You ever be the cornerstone.

Verse 2

Lord, with our words, we build a place for You.

Help us to proclaim the Truth, and to share the love You have shown.

We can build or tear down,

Let loose or leave bound.

Help us to speak with love,

And in all that we say, may You ever be the cornerstone.

Verse 3

Lord, with our hearts, we build a place for You.

We offer ourselves to You and take up the cross as our own.

By faith purified,

In love unified,

With open hearts, we pray:

In all that we are, may You ever be the cornerstone.