Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” (Luke 21:5-6)

Ancient civilizations were home to impressive architectural wonders, noteworthy in itself, given the lack of sophisticated engineering and construction means. Among these are the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus of Rhodes, etc.

On a more modest scale, the Jerusalem Temple was rightfully a source of pride for Jews in Palestine and throughout the Diaspora. That pride continued to the day of Jesus. The evangelist Luke notes that pilgrims and visitors alike marveled at the beauty and grandeur of the House of God. Within a short time, however, the temple would lay in ruins, it and the city of Jerusalem destroyed by Roman legions.

The words of Jesus in today’s gospel underscore that in the design of the great Architect of the heavens and the earth, what seems permanent is passing away, and what seems antiquated is ever new and producing fruit for the glory of God, who alone is eternal. We await the fullness of his kingdom on the day of the coming of the Son of Man in glory. The church is the new temple of God, a dwelling place built of the living stones of holy and faith-filled lives.

The Eucharist opens our eyes to see the presence and action of God all around us.

Let us pray:

God, we yearn for the return of your Son Jesus in glory. May every Eucharist deepen our desire and increase our trust in you. Amen.

Daily Eucharistic Reflection – Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing (eucharisticevangelizing.com)
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