Importance of the Rebuilding of the House of God to its former site

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 25th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 8:19-21*

*First Reading : Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20*

*Importance of the Rebuilding of the House of God to its former site*

*1) Rebuilding of the House of God*

The first reading of the day speaks about the rebuilding of the House of God 

During the time Assyrian invasion, the people of Israel were taken into slavery and the temple of the Lord was destroyed

Now the King Cyrus and Darius ordered the rebuilding of the House of God in the former site, with its former glory 

Accordingly supported by the message of the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, people of God came together and worked hard to rebuild the House of God 

As a result they were able to rebuild the house of God, and rededicated the house for the Worship True one God 

*2) Temple is the Identity of the Israel*

The temple of Jerusalem, is one of the important things for the Jews 

Temple was their identity and everything. Without this temple they are nothing 

Temple represents the presence of the Lord, amidst them and all the spiritual aspect of their life 

*3) We are the Temple of the Lord*

St Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians says that *we are the temple of the Holy Spirit* - 1 Cor 6:19

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 

So this temple also needs the mission of rebuilding inoder to restore its original glory and Holiness 

*4) The Original Glory and Holiness*

With the sacrament of Baptism we became the Children of God 

There was a perfect state of grace

There was perfect holiness and we were Completely made holy through this sacrament

The original glory at the time of Baptism was something to which we are called upon to live our life in an effective way 

*5) The need of restoring it*

There have been moments where we have lost this original glory, because of our weakness and sinfulness

As a result we have fallen from the original glory and holiness

So our mission is to work hard to build this temple of the Lord to its original glory 

Our mission consists in rebuilding the temple of the Lord on everyday basis 

*6) Ways to rebuild the Temple*

Reading of the Scriptures and trying our level best to practice it 

Following the various Gospel values like, truth, justice, humility, love, sacrifice, service, forgiveness, sharing, generosity etc 

By following these values, definitely we contribute in building the Temple of the Lord

So  am I ready to rebuild the temple of Holy Spirit, which is my own life/body??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*