(Gospel Reading for Sunday 17th November)
We all have temples. Some have been given to us, others we have built for ourselves. Sometimes our temples are people, places, values and beliefs, institutions, dreams. Regardless, they give structure and order to our lives, give meaning and identity, provide security and stability. At least we think they do, until they fall.
In today’s gospel some were speaking about the temple, its beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God. It is what structured their community. It gave identity and meaning. It was the centre of Jewish life. Jesus looks at it and says, “The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” Jesus is speaking about more than just the physical temple in Jerusalem Jerusalem
So what do we do on the day our temple falls?
Jesus’ response is to tell us to be still, be quiet, do not be led astray. Endure he says. Be faithful, steadfast, persevere here and now. Jesus is calling us to be present and faithful in whatever circumstances we find our selves. If we cannot find God here, in our present circumstances, even in the midst of our temple ruins, we will find God nowhere.
We discover that God has always been with us – in the changes, chances, and chaos of life; in the pain, loss, and disappointment; in the destruction of our temples.
Adapted from a sermon posted to "Interrupting The Silence" at this link
http://interruptingthesilence.com/2010/11/15/stone-by-stone-god-rebuilds-our-temple-a-sermon-on-luke-215-19/
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