Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up

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This week's readings are as follows:
[Exodus 20:1-17] [1 Corinthians 1:22-25] [John 2:13-25

On this 3rd Sunday of Lent, we hear Jesus saying in the Gospel: “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” to the shock and disbelief of the Jews. How can that be done when it took a period of forty six years to build the temple!

Through the teaching of St. John in the Gospel we know that Jesus was speaking of his body. That is why he said “I will raise it up” and not “I will rebuild it”. His prophecy was fulfilled in his resurrection.

All that Jesus said of his body as the temple applies to us now since we have become part of him through baptism. Through Jesus, we are lifted out from the grave of sins to live a life of fullness by His grace.

So, we should realize that we have been transformed into the Church. During this season of lent, let us reflect on what is stopping us from being closer to God. Let us ask God to help us repent and change our hearts and help us get closer to God.

Transfiguration of Jesus Christ

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This week is the 2nd Sunday of Lent and the readings are as follows:
[Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18] [Romans 8:31-34] [Mark 9:2-10]

Jesus explained to his apostles in the midst of his public ministry that he is to suffer and die and then be raised up. Six days later he transfigured before Peter, James and John. This was a visualization of the meaning of the Paschal Mystery.

The Paschal Mystery is there when birth pangs give way to joy, when health overcomes sickness and reconciliation after repentance. As Christians our first sacramental experience of the Paschal Mystery is our baptism.

We were immersed in the darkness of the death of Christ and raised with him to newness of life. It enlightens us with a faith that “Christ had first to suffer and so come to the glory of the resurrection”.

Eventually our own physical death is the ultimate sharing of the Paschal Mystery which brings us to enjoy the fruit of the resurrection and everlasting life and that God the Father includes us in his plan of the Paschal Mystery.

The Paschal Mystery which fills our minds and hearts especially during the season Lent gives light to our darkest days and eases the burden of our greatest suffering.

It is Darkest Before the Dawn.