Good morning good people of God, May the Lord bless you with peace and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 24th September 2021.
We reflect on Haggai 1:15 – 2:9 and the Gospel of Luke 9:18-22.
Have you felt the presence and comfort of God in some special churches? Yes, there are few places around the world, God’s healing presence is so pervasive we cannot ignore. Some people build churches and worship places to make their name and fame be known around them. Some others contribute remotely and be boasting of what they have done. A handful of people set apart their resources and a specific space for God in the community where we all feel safe, sacred, and sanctified.
The power of God shines in places not because of us but because God’s love towards us and God’s desire to live among us. We all have the resources we need to rebuild the temple that is in ruins. I am not suggesting a dilapidated church somewhere rather the temple right within each one of us. We alone know the condition in which the temple of the Holy Spirit is in right now. Whenever we engage in building our dreams, we neglect the dwelling of God in our lives. “And in this place, I will give prosperity, says the Lord.” (Haggai 2:9). God constantly strengthening us with the assurance of being near us in this building and rebuilding of the temple. We do not need to be disturbed in rebuilding the house of the Lord.
In the Gospel, we are given two questions by Jesus: “Who do others say I am?” and “Who do you say I am?” The first one is general and peripheral question while the second one is something personal, profound, and particular question to each one of us.
It is by knowing and loving Jesus; we create a special space for God in our life. Without a special relationship with Jesus, we can be blindfolded by the pleasures and promises of the world. The confession of Peter is the faith that is handed down to us all. Let us deepen our understanding and faith in the identity of Jesus so that we feel the presence of God in every moment of our life.
May God bless you and have a peaceful day.