9 November 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you. TOPIC: ARE WE TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?    First Reading: Ezekiel 47: 1-2, 8-9, 12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9 Second Reading: First Corinthians 3: 9c-11, 16-17 Alleluia: Second Chronicles 7: 16 Gospel: John 2: 13-22 Today’s Feast is the dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome which is very much a significant part of the history of the Church. It is the oldest church in the West, constructed in the fourth century, rebuilt and renovated many times over the centuries. The basilica is considered the cathedral church of the pope, the Bishop of Rome, and the Pastor of the Universal Church. As the pope’s cathedral, it stands as the “mother church” of the whole world, ranking above all other churches, including St. Peter’s Basilica. Today’s Gospel reading is all about Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem which was considered the house of God in his time. The Gospel reading for today’s feast brings to mind the saying that sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. The temple was the most important institution and building in Jewish life, the place where God dwelt among his people, where he made himself known, instructed his people and received their worship. But on this day, Jesus is angered to see his Father’s house being used like a marketplace. The people of God are filling the house of God not with respect and prayer but with disorder and greed. Jesus cannot allow this to go on, and in his justified anger, he drives them all out and knocks over their money tables, cleansing the temple of all that was not of God. This narrative reveals to us how he sometimes works in our own lives. When we have lost sight of our purpose, have gotten caught up in the things of the world, or gotten off track through ignorance and sin, Jesus sets into motion what may seem harsh to us, but which is a discipline administered out of his love and mercy.   This is the 1294th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings. [NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Rouquel Ponte, a member of the CFC Board of Elders, as he brings us today's reflection. All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS] #OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist