God’s Temple
Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20; Psalm 121; Luke 8:19-21
In the first reading, the Israelites completed the Church Temple for God at the direction of King Darius. When the temple was completed, they reinstated the priesthood, as Moses had instructed in the Torah.
Temples were central places of worship and sacrifice in ancient Israel. The “Temple of the Lord” can have different interpretations. It is often used metaphorically to refer to the believer’s body or to the Church as a spiritual temple.
Today’s psalm speaks of rejoicing during the pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem – “I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house” (Ps.121:1). What is our disposition when asked to come to the Temple of the Lord? What will be our disposition when making our final pilgrimage to eternal Jerusalem?
In the gospel, Jesus says, “All those who do the will of the Father are my brothers and sisters.” Let us rebuild our relationship with Jesus through total and unconditional commitment to His will. Let us rebuild the temple of God in our lives.
LET US PRAY
Teach us, Lord, to do your will, and give us the grace to keep to it. Give us understanding and simplicity. Amen!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
