As long as one is in the Temple, one is not lost

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 10th Week -   Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Luke 2:41-51*

*First Reading - Is 61:9-11*

*As long as one is in the Temple, one is not lost*

*1) Jesus was missed on the Way*

Along with Joseph and Mary, Jesus had come to the temple of Jerusalem

During the feast of the Passover, they spent their time in the temple, participating in the the Passover celebration

Jesus was there along with them through the celebration and they had no issues in the temple

Only after days journey they felt that they had missed Jesus from them 

So missing of Jesus happens on the way and not in the Temple 

*2) Jesus was Found in the Temple*

As soon as Joseph and Mary realised that they had missed Jesus from them, they searched everywhere

They searched him throughout the way, and finally they came to the temple 

They found Jesus in the temple and not on the way 

So temple becomes a place of finding Jesus and not the place of losing Jesus 

*3) As long as Jesus was there in the temple, no question of missing*

Since temple was a holy and important place, all would come there and spend time there

So temple becomes the place of meeting many people and it is very easy to meet other people 

So as long as one is in the temple there is no question of missing from any one. One is always can be found in the temple 

*4) Temple is the place of the presence of God*

Temple is the place of God. Its a holy place. 

It is a place of meeting God and experiencing Him in our lives 

One who is in the temple, will be protected by God and he/she will experience the love of God

*5) Being in the Temple means, being in the presence of God*

This has lot to do in our life. 

Temple need not be only a building. Apart from building, one can very well be in the temple, means one can be in the presence of God 

So being with God, or bring in the presence of God, is equal to bring in the temple 

So all of us have many chances to be in the temple, in our daily lives

*6) Various moments in our lives to be in the Temple*

The moment we become good and holy persons, we are in the temple

The moment we pray, read the word of God and spend time in various spiritual activities, we are in the temple, in the presence of God

When we practice the kingdom values like, forgiveness, humility, love, simplicity, generosity, we are in the temple, in the presenceof God.

*7) Am I in the temple?*

When we reflect these above points, what do I conclude about my life? 

Am I in the Temple or somewhere else. 

In the temple means, being with God, being in the presence of God. 

*As long as I am in the temple, I am safe. No fear of losing.*

So we need to try to remain in the temple as far as possible. 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*