Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 6:16-18
What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
Thought for the Day: Sanctuaries made of human hands have their place. For most of us, it is helpful to have a roof over our heads when gathering as community. There is also something helpful for the human spirit to have symbolic places where we feel we can find welcome, respite and healing in the presence of the Holy Other. At the same time, our visits to a church building should teach us how each human life is a sanctuary for the divine image. Not only are we to honor our own lives, but we should strive to view every human being as a temple of the living God – even when that so-called temple isn’t very nice, even when that so-called sanctuary does not act like a place made holy by the presence of God.
Prayer: I need your assistance in every moment of life, O God. It is easy to see your beautiful and creative presence in some people, but in others it is a real challenge. It is these challenges that are of greatest interest to you, and are for me, the place where my faith will be tested. Assist me so that I do not defame any of your human temples. Amen.
