Adorn

Today’s Gospel Text:  And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." 7 And they asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once." Luke 21:5-9

Reflection: Memories often takes us to the good or bad past, either we carry a pleasant feeling about the past or a hurt feeling, some of which we often wish to forget and push it away from our memory.

In the gospel text of today, the present situation itself is a memorable moment of admiration for the adornment with noble stones and the offering concerning the temple.  

How magnificent and marvelous must have been the temple of God to behold and marvel at, indeed a precious place to be.

I wonder how these people may have taken the shocker which Jesus gives them about this very temple;  "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."

It was a caution to the people that their religion for which they would be zealous about would be under attack and destruction was in waiting.

But as for us who have become God’s holy temple, a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, the temple at Jerusalem no longer hold significance.

Only thing that is required of us is to see that we do not adorn ourselves with worldly wealth of gold, precious stones and rich branded clothing's but rather with virtues and fruit of the Holy Spirit which are purified in the crucible of fire; the ordinary daily suffering which comes our way while seeking to lead a dedicated Christian life. 

In this year dedicated to faith, we need not lag behind since scripture exhorts us: “… to show entire and true fidelity, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” Titus 2:10

Let us identify how we could do this concretely with a plan of action, either by avoiding those things that adorns us with mere externals or by acting on a plan of putting up those virtues and doctrine of faith which will equip us to offer a pleasing sacrifice to God in and through this bodily temple of ours.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to organize myself that I may plan my life in a way in which I will seek to be adorned by your will. 

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