The Pope's lovely homily at the Eucharist in Saint Patrick's Cathedral used the physical aspects of the Cathedral to evoke the spiritual richness of the faith.Here is how he ends his reflections:

The spires of Saint Patricks Cathedral are dwarfed by the skyscrapers of the Manhattan skyline, yet in the heart of this busy metropolis, they are a vivid reminder of the constant yearning of the human spirit to rise to God. As we celebrate this Eucharist, let us thank the Lord for allowing us to know him in the communion of the Church, to cooperate in building up his Mystical Body, and in bringing his saving word as good news to the men and women of our time. And when we leave this great church, let us go forth as heralds of hope in the midst of this city, and all those places where Gods grace has placed us. In this way, the Church in America will know a new springtime in the Spirit, and point the way to that other, greater city, the new Jerusalem, whose light is the Lamb (Rev 21:23). For there God is even now preparing for all people a banquet of unending joy and life. Amen.

Rocco (the Philadelphia whiz kid) Palmo has the text (once again scooping the Times and even the Vatican website!).

Robert P. Imbelli, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, is a longtime Commonweal contributor.

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