There were six cities of refuge in the land of Israel, so called because any one who had killed another unintentionally, without malice, by fleeing into one of them was safe. They were like the sanctuaries in old Catholic times, places of safety, under the wing of the Church. No river rolled near them. They stood in plains, or level land. But there was a high hill, or eminence near them to guide those who sought to them. They were designed to shew us our escape in Christ from sin, its guilt and ruin. There is nothing to prevent our getting to Him. The way is plain and open, and while yet afar off, we may see if we will, that ensign of the cross, which once lifted up on Calvary, is still set before us in the Church and her sacred services. We may hear the invitation: Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; why will you die? Come to me all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. And him that cometh to me I will not cast out. Let these invitations and promises rouse our faith, quicken our diligence, kindle hope and keep it alive. From the walls and battlements of Heaven, angels and saints have seen many escaping from the wrath to come. Do they see us? If you have cause to doubt it, delay not.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp