A Christian can't leave the Temple and live

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  : 30 December*

*Gospel : Lk 2:36-40*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 2:12-17*

*A Christian can't leave the Temple and live*

*1) Prophetess Anna, Never left the Temple*

The Gospel of the day speaks about Prophetess Anna, who was in the temple spending her time in praying

The Gospel also says that she never left the temple once she came to the temple 

She was waiting for the Messiah, one who will redeem the people of God  

*2) Various meanings of the Temple*

The concept temple can be given different meanings 

First of all temple is a place where there is a building which is used for worship. 

We many many temples to come together and to spend our time in worship and prayer 

There is also another meaning for the temple. Our life is considered as the temple - temple of the Holy Spirit. This idea comes from St Paul 

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

St Paul says *do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?*  1 Corinthians 6:19-20

So our life is a beautiful temple, where God dwells 

One cant think of leaving this temple and going away from the temple 

As good catholics, we need to that we should never leave this temple at any time 

*4) How to occupy the Temple all the Time*

There are multiple ways through which we can occupy this temple for the betterment

Prayer keeps this temple occupied

Generosity keeps this temple occupied 

Sacrifice, love, simplicity, humility, service, a helping hand all these keep our temple occupied with good things and good feeling 

*5) Have I left my Temple?*

As prophetess never left the temple, we should never leave the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is our body 

But the question is have I left temple of the holy Spirit?

When we sin, we go away from this temple 

When we are familiar with pride, arrogance, anger, jealousy, gossips, revenge, hatred, we go away from this temple and we deceive ourselves and others as well 

So the question is, am I in the temple of the Holy Spirit or away from it 

*6) Journey towards Heavenly Jerusalem Temple*

Christian life is a journey towards heavenly Jerusalem 

If we are very close to the temple of the Holy Spirit, the surely our journey towards heavenly Jerusalem becomes meaningful and effective

If we are away from the temple of the Holy Spirit, then we miss our way to heavenly Jerusalem

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*