We Must Destroy Our 'Temple'

3rd Sunday of Lent

In today's world, things such as popularity, wealth, number of Instagram followers, and grades define who we are. But even if we had these, we may not be fully fulfilled. Instead, we should focus on our relationship with God and on committing our lives to God.

This was the same message in this Sunday’s Gospel. The people were using the temple in Jerusalem as a marketplace, when it was meant for prayer and worship. They were distracted by the values of the world.

Jesus, in contrast, has a “zeal” for God’s way. In referring to the “temple” that he would destroy and raise up again in three days, he was referring to his coming death and resurrection – reminding us to focus on this “temple”, this relationship with God.

From what I understand, this means that :

- First, we must destroy the “temple” that in our lives that are tainted with worldly concerns such as popularity and wealth.

- Second, we need to let God into our hearts and receive his Word, so that he may help us “rebuild the temple” on a spiritual foundation of a strong relationship with God.

Only then can we be truly fulfilled.

*A reflection by Zachary Wong, 14+ yrs old, who worships at St. Andrew Chapel.