Greater will be the future glory of this house than the former, says the LORD of hosts

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 25th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 9:18-22*

*First Reading -  Hg 2:1-9*

*Greater will be the future glory of this house than the former, says the LORD of hosts*

*1) Lord's call to build the Temple*

Prophet Haggai preached in Jerusalem around 520 BC. During that time people were in Babylonian slavery and the temple had been in ruins. 

The Lord gives a call to the People of Israel through the prophet Huggai and people came together to build the Temple 

When the people were freed from the slavery of Babylon, the first thing they focused was the building of the temple 

Thus they regained their identity through the temple and they were able to worship the Lord 

*2) Rebuilding of the Temple was necessary*

Since the former temple had been destroyed by the enemies, they had to rebuild the temple of the Lord once again 

Rebuilding of the temple was an extraordinary experience because, they realised the importance of the temple

Rebuilding also helped them to regain the glory of the temple and also their own identity.

*3) We are the temple of the Holy Spirit*

St Paul says that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 16:19.

As people of Israel came together to rebuild the temple, I need to rebuild the temple of my life every day 

Since there are many things which happen in my life on day today basic, they also affect the sanctity of this temple of my life 

At times the gravity of the evil things are so great in life, they practically destroy the Holiness of the  temple of our life 

So the need of rebuilding the temple of my life is very much necessary

*4) Rebuild the temple for a purpose*

People of Israel rebuilt the temple for prayer and to worship the Lord. It also gave them the real identity. The glory of the new temple was greater than the former one 

Like wise when we rebuild the temple of our life is to covert this place into a place of holiness, prayer and divine experience

Rebuild the temple of ones life in order to experience God in ones life

The Glory of this rebuilt temple will be far superior than the former one

*5) Things necessary to rebuild the Temple*

First of all listen to the call of God 

Secondly we need to have the virtue of Courage. In today's first reading the word *courage* comes at least few times. Which also shows the importance of it

Thirdly the community spirit is very important in rebuilding the temple or working together

*6) Am I ready to Rebuild thebTemple of my Life?*

First of all I must realise that my temple the temple of the Holy spirit is in bad conditions, because of my sinful life 

Secondly have courage to venture into this task, by trusting God 

Thirdly believe that the future glory of this temple that is the glory of rebuilt temple will be far superior than the former one. 

Have a positive and intense desire to see this greater glory in your own life 

*What is the condition of your temple of life?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*