By Amala William csc –
Readings: Ezek 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Jn 2:13-22
Today’s reading invites us to reflect upon our lives as we are the ‘living temples of God’. In the first reading, we see the spring of water flowing from the temple, wherever the water flows new life emerges. Many creatures on both sides of the river benefit from it. In the Gospel, Jesus affirms himself as a temple saying, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Jesus assures that he is the temple where the spring of grace gushes forth for all people. All those who are open to receive him experience the grace of God and their life becomes lush green.
Others remain in a barren state due to their narrow understanding. We Christians, through our Baptism and confirmation, became the temples of the Holy Spirit. This Spirit is indwelling, and we are the medium of God’s grace to oneself and others. Often, I fail to recognize myself as God’s dwelling because of my worldly living. Being in the world, I become the dwelling place of information, unholy thoughts, and indifference to my fellow brothers and sisters.
Ultimately, each of us is called to be holy, and holiness lies in the spirit of Jesus. This realization helps us to no longer look at the brick and mortar structures as a holy place. Rather, we look at everyone around as a living temples of God and we begin to treat everyone as someone sent by God for betterment of our life.