5th Sunday of Lent

A Pilgrim King

“Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the one that is to come.” — Hebrews 13:14

Exile stripped away every earthly sign of permanence. The court, the palace, the structure of imperial life — all disappeared. What remained was a man walking toward God with his family, carrying nothing but faith and responsibility for their souls. We too live with the illusion that our present circumstances are stable and lasting. Yet every change, every displacement, every unexpected turn reminds us that we are pilgrims. Karl’s journey makes visible what is always true for us: our homeland is not here. Each act of fidelity is a step toward the kingdom that cannot be taken from us.

Blessed Karl, fix our hearts on the homeland that awaits us. Amen.