"rebuild my church"
"I have truly built You a princely house, a dwelling where You may abide forever." —1 Kgs 8:13
Everything Solomon created — the magnificent Temple building, the great architecture, ornate decorations, and countless sacrifices — pointed toward the moment of the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant. When the ark was placed in the Temple, it meant that God now dwelt within its walls (1 Kgs 8:11-13).
The people of Israel were caught up in the excitement of God dwelling in their midst. The dedication of the Jerusalem Temple was the apex of Israel's history; from that point, everything went downhill. They delighted in the trappings of worship, but their lifestyles showed that they were interested only in giving the Lord "lip-service" rather than "life-service" (see Mk 7:6; Is 29:13). Solomon's pride and disobedience mirrored that of all Israel and sowed the seeds of civil war. The Lord Who dwells with His people delights in humility and obedience; Solomon and many other worshippers instead gave the Lord pride and disobedience.
It is good that our Church buildings contain beauty befitting the glory and majesty of Almighty God. It is also fitting that those who enter the Church buildings worship God with hearts full of love and lives of obedient faith (Rm 1:5). Jesus reveals that God is seeking people who will worship Him in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23). Humble yourself in God's sight (1 Pt 5:6), especially by obeying His commandments (Jn 15:10). Rebuild the Church by your loving reverence and obedience.
Prayer: Father, may I obey You so that my light might shine before all so they will give glory to You (Mt 5:16).
Promise: "All who touched Him got well." —Mk 6:56
Praise: St. Scholastica left her family to found a religious community.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 8, 2013
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