Temple : a Holy and Sacred Place

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:


1 Maccabees 4:36-37,52-59
1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Luke 19:45-48

A reflection on today's Scripture:

As we reflect on today's scripture it seems very clear in the Old as well in the New Testament that the Temple was considered a holy and sacred place, a place of prayer and learning, a place where all can gather to give praise to God. The subtle deterioration of God's house of prayer brought just anger and cleansing by Jesus. Some may wonder how could this be -- from such a loving and merciful Jesus.

Today we may think of things happening in our own local Churches that could bring the same just anger upon them. I would suggest looking from a different view. God planned and wishes that we might be temples of the Holy Spirit. Our homes too, should always be a special place for prayer; they should be a domestic church in itself.

If this is not the case, what are we bringing into God's temple on Sunday? Could it be preoccupied minds full of business decisions, baggage from who knows where or what? In humility we can allow Jesus to cleanse our personal temples of our sins and then enter into the house of God together as His children, to fill his temple with song and praise fitting for a great and glorious King.

- Thomas Michael Kalamas