And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal. He also measured its wall, 144 cubits by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement. The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, clear as glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass.

What an opulent and magnificent display of the most beautiful jewels in creation. Yet I am sure that I will say that John's description falls far short of reality when I am there. Human words cannot express anything that comes at all close to describing God's glory and the City of God is the physical expression of that glory.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 73

Mid-day: 119:25-32

Evening: Psalm 149

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.