Today’s Readings:
1 Kings 8:1-7,9-13
Psalm 132:6-10
Mark 6:53-56
Temples are holy places dedicated to the worship of gods. Israel’s first temple was built by King Solomon. And it had a huge impact on the life of the people. It meant for them that God was in their midst—the Mighty warrior who shall fight their battles, defend them and provide their needs. The terms and conditions of this relationship are that the people will live a holy life, worship God, make their sacrifices to Him, atone for their sins when they fail and be reconciled to one another. The temple is God’s presence with us. This divine presence has taken two new forms that we should pay attention to.
The new temple is the Church. It is also you and me. As the Church, the new temple is God’s dwelling place where we come to encounter Him. He is present in every dedicated Christian gathering. He is present there sacramentally in the Eucharist that is reserved in the Tabernacle, the holy of holies. He is present in the believing community that gathers each day to offer and receive the eucharistic sacrifice. The new temple is also our hearts and bodies, free from sin and every wrongdoing. Our being can receive the divine. When we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, we too become agents of healing just as He was (“And all those who touched him were cured”—Mark 6:56). We are not just biological compositions—we are living temples dedicated to God and able to communicate God’s grace to others. May God grant us a deeper awareness of who we are and what we carry and what we are called to be for others.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord! If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
May God touch you with His grace today and heal your mind, soul and body in Jesus’ name.
May God grant you a unique encounter in the Church every time you come to worship Him.
Through a worthy reception of the Eucharist may God fill you with bountiful grace in Jesus’ name.
May God help you to preserve the grace and power which you carry by fleeing the occasions of sin in Jesus’ name.
May God grant you modesty in your dressing, discretion in setting clear boundaries in your relationships and the consciousness that you carry God in you in Jesus’ name.
Through the grace that you carry, may your words and actions bless others today in Jesus’ name.
May God use you this week to touch even those you may not know.
May your life give God glory through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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