You Are the Tabernacle!
Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38; Psalm 84; Matthew 13:47-53
In Exodus 40, Moses builds the tabernacle, a sacred tent where God chooses to dwell. It was not just a structure; it was the meeting point between heaven and earth. The glory of God descended visibly, and the people were guided by that presence.
The tabernacle in Church is still holy place. It holds the Blessed Sacrament—the real presence of Christ. That’s why we genuflect, keep silence, and pray with reverence. It’s not superstition. It’s sacred recognition.
The psalm today sings: “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, God of hosts.” Dwelling place does not only refer to the tents in the desert, we are the tents, we are the tabernacle of God. God lives in us through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16). Therefore, we must live like vessels of His glory.
In the gospel, we have the message of the “Great Sorting”, Jesus reminds us that the kingdom is like a dragnet, it catches all kinds, but only the good are kept. Our lives are under Divine review and Divine sorting. One day, virtues shall be sorted from vices. You are the tabernacle, walk in light and truth.
Today, we celebrate St. Ignatius of Loyola, a man who allowed God to transform him through prayer and spiritual discipline. His four-week retreat model challenges us:
1. Reform the deformed
2. Conform the reformed
3. Confirm the conformed
4. Transform the confirmed
Are you broken inside? Guilt-ridden? Spiritually stagnant? Take the first step. Open your heart. Enter your own 30-day retreat with God.
LET US PRAY
O God, you raised up Saint Ignatius to help souls find your glory. May we imitate his zeal and allow your Spirit to make us true tabernacles of holiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
