You are God’s Temple
You are God’s Temple... Fr. Patrick Etuk, MSP
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, as we gather to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we are called to reflect on the profound meaning of this event in the life of the infant Jesus, and what it meant for an ordinary Jewish family. This day, which commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the temple, carries with it a message of God's goodness and mercy that is as relevant to us today as it was to those who witnessed it over two thousand years ago.
The prophet Malachi, as we heard in our first reading, foretold this moment when he said, "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me; the Lord whom you seek will suddenly appear in his temple, like a refiner's fire he will purify the sons of Israel" (Malachi 3:1). In these words, Malachi speaks of a purification, a cleansing of the temple. But what is this temple he is referring to? It is not a physical building, but rather, it is us – each one of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Just as the infant Jesus was presented in the temple by Mary and Joseph, we too are called to present ourselves before the Lord daily. In our journey of faith, Jesus continues to purify us, to refine us, as we seek His presence with sincerity, humility, and faithfulness. We must remember that we are the temples that Malachi speaks of, the dwelling places of the Lord, and He desires to cleanse us from the impurities of sin.
The Gospel passage recounts the faithful examples of Simeon and Anna. They lived in faithful expectation, waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises. Their lives were a testament to the power of patient and unwavering faith. When they encountered the infant Jesus in the temple, their hearts were filled with joy and praise, for they knew that God had kept His promise.
Simeon, upon seeing the infant Jesus, proclaimed, "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation" (Luke 2:29-30). Anna, too, gave thanks to God and spoke of the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Their lives inspire us to continually seek God, to patiently wait for His promises to be fulfilled in our lives, just as they were in theirs.
In our second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded that Jesus did not come into the world to condemn us but to free us from sin and death through His compassion and sacrificial death on the cross. He became one of us, taking on our human nature, so that we could be made pure and holy before God. His love and mercy know no bounds.
On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, let us embrace our calling to be purified temples for the Lord. Let us strive to approach God with hearts full of faith, hope, and love, just as Simeon and Anna did. Let us offer our lives as a living sacrifice, pleasing and worthy to God. As we receive the Eucharist today, let us remember that we are being presented before the Lord, just as Jesus was in the temple. May His presence in our lives purify us, refine us, and make us more and more like Him. And may we, like Simeon and Anna, go forth in joy and proclaim the Good News of salvation to all who long for the redemption of their souls.
Seven-Day Journey of Reflections: Lord Draw me Nearer to Thee
As you embark on this seven-day spiritual journey, I pray that the Scriptures, affirmations, and practical tips help you draw closer to God, deepen your faith, and bring His love and light into your daily life. Remember that a spiritual journey is ongoing, and each day presents an opportunity for growth and transformation in your relationship with God. Be consistent, be intentional as you journey each day towards growing in intimacy with God.
Day 1: Reflecting on God's Love
Scripture: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
Affirmation: "I am deeply loved by God, and His love sustains me."
Tips:
Spend some quiet time in prayer, contemplating the immense love God has for you.
Reflect on the people in your life whom you love and who love you, and consider how God's love is even greater.
Express gratitude for God's love and ask Him to help you feel it more deeply in your daily life.
Day 2: Finding Peace in God's Presence
Scripture: "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you." - Isaiah 26:3
Affirmation: "In God's presence, I find perfect peace and trust."
Tips:
Practice mindfulness by focusing your thoughts on God throughout the day.
Spend time in quiet meditation, breathing deeply and allowing God's peace to fill your heart.
Trust that God is always with you, guiding and comforting you in times of trouble.
Day 3: Embracing Forgiveness
Scripture: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
Affirmation: "I choose to forgive as God forgives me, releasing the burden of resentment."
Tips:
Reflect on any grudges or resentments you may be holding onto and make a conscious decision to let them go.
Pray for the strength to forgive others as God has forgiven you.
Consider reaching out to someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from.
Day 4: Trusting in God's Plan
Scripture: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5
Affirmation: "I surrender my plans to God's perfect plan, trusting His wisdom and guidance."
Tips:
Take time to reflect on areas of your life where you might be trying to control everything.
Pray for guidance and the wisdom to follow God's plan for your life.
Let go of anxiety and trust that God's plan is always for your ultimate good.
Day 5: Practicing Gratitude
Scripture: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Affirmation: "I am grateful for the blessings in my life, both big and small."
Tips:
Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you're thankful for each day.
Take a moment to thank God for His blessings, even in challenging times.
Share your gratitude with others, spreading positivity and joy.
Day 6: Serving Others with Love
Scripture: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45
Affirmation: "I am called to serve others with love and compassion."
Tips:
Seek opportunities to help someone in need, whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply offering a listening ear.
Reflect on the ways you can make a positive impact on the lives of those around you.
Pray for God's guidance in your service to others and the strength to do so with a loving heart.
Day 7: Living in God's Light
Scripture: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105
Affirmation: "I choose to live in the light of God's truth and love, seeking His guidance in all I do."
Tips:
Dedicate time to reading and meditating on the Scriptures.
Reflect on the values and principles that guide your life, aligning them with God's truth.
Pray for wisdom and discernment as you navigate life's challenges, trusting that God's light will always illuminate your path.
