Life Giving Temples

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate how people gathered in the Spirit become Temples that radiate the Presence of God and bring life to others.

The Lateran Basilica

The reading from the Prophet Ezekiel describes a vision of Water Flowing from the Temple.

* [47:1–12] The life and refreshment produced wherever the Temple stream flows evoke the order and abundance of paradise (cf. Gn 1:20–22; 2:10–14; Ps 46:5) and represent the coming transformation Ezekiel envisions for the exiles and their land. Water signifies great blessings and evidence of the Lord’s presence (cf. Jl 2:14).

* [47:8] The sea: the Dead Sea, in which nothing can live. This vision of the Temple stream which transforms places of death into places of life is similar in purpose to the oracle of dry bones in 37:1–14: it offers the exiles hope for the future. (Ezekiel, CHAPTER 47, n.d.)

Psalm 46 praises God’s Defence of His City and People

* [Psalm 46] A song of confidence in God’s protection of Zion with close parallels to Ps 48. The dominant note in Ps 46 is sounded by the refrain, The LORD of hosts is with us (Ps 46:8, 12). The first strophe (Ps 46:2–4) sings of the security of God’s presence even in utter chaos; the second (Ps 46:5–8), of divine protection of the city from its enemies; the third (Ps 46:9–11), of God’s imposition of imperial peace. (Psalms, PSALM 46, n.d.)

The reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians describes the Role of God’s Ministers as temples of holiness.

* [3:10–11] There are diverse functions in the service of the community, but each individual’s task is serious, and each will stand accountable for the quality of his contribution.

* [3:17] Holy: i.e., “belonging to God.” The cultic sanctity of the community is a fundamental theological reality to which Paul frequently alludes (cf. 1 Cor 1:2, 30; 6:11; 7:14). (1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus Cleanses the Temple.

* [2:13–22] This episode indicates the post-resurrectional replacement of the temple by the person of Jesus.

* [2:13] Passover: this is the first Passover mentioned in John; a second is mentioned in Jn 6:4; a third in Jn 13:1. Taken literally, they point to a ministry of at least two years.

* [2:14–22] The other gospels place the cleansing of the temple in the last days of Jesus’ life (Matthew, on the day Jesus entered Jerusalem; Mark, on the next day). The order of events in the gospel narratives is often determined by theological motives rather than by chronological data.

* [2:14] Oxen, sheep, and doves: intended for sacrifice. The doves were the offerings of the poor (Lv 5:7). Money-changers: for a temple tax paid by every male Jew more than nineteen years of age, with a half-shekel coin (Ex 30:11–16), in Syrian currency. See note on Mt 17:24.

* [2:17] Ps 69:10, changed to future tense to apply to Jesus.

* [2:19] This saying about the destruction of the temple occurs in various forms (Mt 24:2; 27:40; Mk 13:2; 15:29; Lk 21:6; cf. Acts 6:14). Mt 26:61 has: “I can destroy the temple of God…”; see note there. In Mk 14:58, there is a metaphorical contrast with a new temple: “I will destroy this temple made with hands and within three days I will build another not made with hands.” Here it is symbolic of Jesus’ resurrection and the resulting community (see Jn 2:21 and Rev 21:2). In three days: an Old Testament expression for a short, indefinite period of time; cf. Hos 6:2. (John, CHAPTER 2, n.d.)

George Butterfield comments that it is easy to get disturbed about what is happening in our world: war, terrorism, hatred. We even wonder sometimes what our own Church leaders are up to. But take heart: the City of God is not disturbed by these things because God is our refuge, our strength, our stronghold, an ever-present help in distress.

Jesus’ body is the living Temple of God. All of us who follow him are also temples of God. Our lives are called to holiness because the Spirit of God dwells in his temples. We become fruitful, life-giving temples when we feast on the water of life flowing from Jesus. Our bodies will one day be destroyed but, just as Jesus’ body was raised from the dead, we have been promised that our bodies, our temples, will also be raised.

In the meantime, let us glorify God in our bodies and bring life to the world. (Butterfield, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “Jesus cleanses the temple - his Father's house,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"But why did Christ use such violence? He was about to heal on the sabbath day and to do many things that appeared to them transgressions of the law. However, so that he might not appear to be acting as a rival to God and an opponent of his Father, he takes occasion to correct any such suspicion of theirs... He did not merely 'cast them out' but also 'overturned the tables' and 'poured out the money,' so that they could see how someone who threw himself into such danger for the good order of the house could never despise his master. If he had acted out of hypocrisy, he would have only advised them, but to place himself in such danger was very daring. It was no small thing to offer himself to the anger of so many market people or to excite against himself a most brutal mob of petty dealers by his reproaches and the disruption he caused. This was not, in other words, the action of a pretender but of one choosing to suffer everything for the order of the house. For the same reason, to show his agreement with the Father, he did not say 'the holy house' but 'my Father's house.' See how he even calls him 'Father,' and they are not angry with him. They thought he spoke in a more general way, but when he went on and spoke more plainly of his equality, this is when they become angry." (excerpt from HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 23.2) (Schwager, 2022)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17 comments that the Lateran Basilica in Rome serves as a sign of the unity of all the Catholic churches around the world. It’s not just that all these churches are united because of their relationship to the Lateran. We as believers are also united. We are “God’s building” and a sign of the physical presence of God in the world. Our foundation is Jesus Christ himself, and it is this shared foundation that unites us all as one (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Today’s feast is a chance to celebrate that together, we make up “God’s building” throughout the world (1 Corinthians 3:9). Wherever you live, and in whatever circumstances you find yourself, you can rejoice that you are part of a worldwide family of faith. You are not alone! In fact, God promises to not only be with you but to make his dwelling in you! As St. Paul says, “You are the temple of God, and . . . the Spirit of God dwells in you” (3:16). Rejoice today because of his presence in you and in every brother and sister in Christ around the world.

“Lord, thank you for making me part of your worldwide family. Thank you for making your home in me!” (Meditation on 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that Ezekiel in exile in Babylon had a vision of the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem and the abundant life of Grace that would flow from the Temple. We ponder those levels of communication, like prayer, that go beyond those participating. Money changing and the purchase of animals for sacrifice had become an unruly marketplace that Jesus confronted. Friar Jude notes that the placement of the cleansing of the Temple in the Gospel of John suggests the purpose of this Gospel as a Passion Narrative.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces author Diana Butler Bass who describes how Jesus’ actions upset ancient societal expectations of who could offer a “gift”.

Jesus opened the door for Zacchaeus to “come down” from his old life, to stop participating in a corrupt system of gratitude that oppressed his own people. In a moment, Jesus turned his world upside down: Who was the guest and who was the host?… Jesus imagined a place where oppressed and oppressor leave their “stations” and meet as friends, where forgiveness is practiced and gratitude expresses itself not in debt payment but in passing on generous gifts to others.…

[Jesus] established a table of hospitality where all are guests and no one owes anything to anyone else. Around this table, gifts pass without regard to payback or debt. Everyone sits. Everyone eats. And, recognizing that everything is a gift, all are grateful. (Rohr, 2023)

We may have been blessed by the understanding that prayer for us is effective in our lives and becomes the living water that connects us to fullness in life.

References

Butterfield, G. (2023, November 9). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/110923.html 

Ezekiel, CHAPTER 47. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/47?1 

John, CHAPTER 2. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/2?13 

Meditation on 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/09/823989/ 

1 Corinthians, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/3? 

Psalms, PSALM 46. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/46?2 

Rohr, R. (2023, November 9). A Grateful Change of Heart — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-grateful-change-of-heart/ 

Schwager, D. (2022, October 2). Zeal for the Father's House. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov9a 

Care and Gratitude

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to reflect on the care we should take in our relationships with others as we meditate on the gratitude we need to express for our situation in life.

Care and Gratitude

 

The reading from the Book of Wisdom asserts that Kings should seek Wisdom.

* [6:1] Kings…magistrates: note the inclusion with v. 21 (“kings”). The address to earthly powers is in accord with the opening (1:1), but the true audience remains the Jewish community.1 

Psalm 82  is a plea for Justice.

* [Psalm 82] As in Ps 58, the pagan gods are seen as subordinate divine beings to whom Israel’s God had delegated oversight of the foreign countries in the beginning (Dt 32:8–9). Now God arises in the heavenly assembly (Ps 82:1) to rebuke the unjust “gods” (Ps 82:2–4), who are stripped of divine status and reduced in rank to mortals (Ps 82:5–7). They are accused of misruling the earth by not upholding the poor. A short prayer for universal justice concludes the Psalm (Ps 82:8).2 

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus cleanses Ten Lepers.

* [17:11–19] This incident recounting the thankfulness of the cleansed Samaritan leper is narrated only in Luke’s gospel and provides an instance of Jesus holding up a non-Jew (Lk 17:18) as an example to his Jewish contemporaries (cf. Lk 10:33 where a similar purpose is achieved in the story of the good Samaritan). Moreover, it is the faith in Jesus manifested by the foreigner that has brought him salvation (Lk 17:19; cf. the similar relationship between faith and salvation in Lk 7:50; 8:48, 50).3 

Tom Quinn comments that if we view ourselves and our society in the light of these words, we know what we need to do as the people of God.  We cannot merely shrug and say, "This does not apply to us." It does apply.

We all have some relative power over others, whether they are in our families, work, faith community, or simply those with whom we incidental contact. We all have skills that, though we have honed them and brought them to fruition, ultimately are gifts from God.  Since we do have the power to affect others lives, we need to love and care for others. We are told to create harmony; learn wisdom; yearn for wisdom in order to be not only instructed, but holy.4 

Don Schwager quotes “Cleansing of the ten lepers,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Why did [Jesus] not say, 'I will, be cleansed,' as he did in the case of another leper (Luke 5:13), instead of commanding them to show themselves to the priests? It was because the law gave directions to this effect to those who were delivered from leprosy (Leviticus 14:2). It commanded them to show themselves to the priests and to offer a sacrifice for their cleansing. He commanded them to go as being already healed so that they might bear witness to the priests, the rulers of the Jews and always envious of his glory. They testified that wonderfully and beyond their hope, they had been delivered from their misfortune by Christ's willing that they should be healed. He did not heal them first but sent them to the priests, because the priests knew the marks of leprosy and of its healing." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILIES 113-16)5 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 17:11-19 comments that whatever the man said, he proclaimed his faith in Jesus’ power to heal, because Jesus responded, “Your faith has saved you,” a word that means “made whole” (Luke 17:19, emphasis added). Because this man returned to worship God and express his gratitude, he received the wholeness that Jesus wanted for all ten. He was healed in spirit as well as in body—something better even than being healed of leprosy!

You may have many needs and desires. Jesus cares about them all, but what he most cares about is to make you whole: filled with faith, freed from sin, and confident in God’s love. He wants you to live with him forever. That can happen as your faith, whatever size it is, expresses itself in worship. Your worship opens your heart to God’s power to heal and restore. And it begins with simple words of gratitude. Fall at the feet of Jesus today and thank him for one thing he has done for you. Thank him for his mercy, and then worship him. “Jesus, thank you for caring so deeply about me. I worship you with all my heart!”6 

Friar Jude Winkler sees the text in Wisdom as a call to exercise authority with wisdom that serves others in God’s Way. Luke’s example of the gratitude of the Samaritan supported his ministry to Gentiles. Friar Jude reminds us that our entitlement blocks our appreciation of everything as a gift.

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, has often said that transformation mostly comes through great love and great suffering. The First Noble Truth of Buddhism shows how accepting the inescapable nature of suffering can lead to greater freedom. Kaira Jewel Lingo, a former Buddhist nun in Thich Nhat Hanh’s Plum Village community in France, reflects on coming to terms with the unpredictable challenges of life.

This attitude of acceptance is freeing when we apply it not only to our personal suffering but also to the suffering in the world. Once, as a young nun, when I was practicing a classic Plum Village guided meditation, I came to the final exercise, “Breathing in, I dwell in the present moment; breathing out, I know this is a wonderful moment.” Suddenly I found myself stuck when I did this practice, questioning how we could truly affirm it was “a wonderful moment” with all the violence, hatred, inequality, and preventable tragedies that are happening in the present moment all over the world. . . . I sat in the question of it and began to see that along with all the suffering and pain, there are also many beings that are supporting others in the present moment. There are many hearts of compassion, opening to relieve suffering, to care for others, to teach, to show a different way. There are people who are courageous and standing up for what they believe is right, protecting our oceans, cleaning rivers and beaches, advocating for those who are oppressed. There are those in every corner of the planet who are quietly doing the things no one else wants to do: caring for the forgotten people, places, species, and doing what needs to be done.7 

We pray to be open to the prompting of the Spirit to share our gifts and live in gratitude for every day.

 

References

1	(n.d.). Wisdom, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/6
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 82 | USCCB. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/82
3	(n.d.). Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111021.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=nov10
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/11/10/243159/
7	(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: 2021 - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from https://cac.org/accepting-what-is-2021-11-10/