GOD TAKES DELIGHT IN HIS PEOPLE
The temple of Christ's body in a real sense is made up of living
stones---people. We are called to be concerned about those people who are in
need.
Today and tomorrow
we have readings from the prophet Haggai. He was concerned with reconstruction
of the temple and the renewal of authentic religion after the people returned
from exile to Babylon.
A certain lethargy,
and disinterest concerning the temple had overtaken the people. Particularly
distressing to Haggai was the fact that those who had material means refused to
contribute to the building of the temple. He felt that they were more concerned
with their own comfort than they were in providing a suitable place for the
worship of the Lord. Filled with indignation Haggai accused the people of being
preoccupied with fleeting pleasures, which he graphically presented in images
such as that of eating without being satisfied and of putting earnings in a bag
with holes in it.
One is tempted to
say that the lesson for us is to see the necessity of contributing to our
Church. And that would indeed be a valid lesson. On the other hand, our faith
tells us that Jesus Christ has replaced the temple. Our faith also teaches us
that what is done to the members of the mystical body of Christ is done to
Christ Himself. The temple of Christ's body in a real sense is made up of living
stones---people. We are called to be concerned about those people who are in
need.
In the Responsorial
Psalm we acclaim---The Lord takes delight in his people.
Let Israel be glad
in their maker, let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
We all know that
our sins and weakness do get in the way. We also pray to God not to look at our
wrongdoings but at our trust in Him. On that trust we can base our whole life.
On that trust we speak, act and live. This trust is that God will never fail
us. That is our faith, and that is our boast. You never fail. God will not make
us lose face. God will not let us down. All we need to do is stay focused on
Jesus; Mary showed us how to do that.
In today's Gospel
acclamation we can sing joyfully: I am the way the truth and the life, says the
Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.