The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, July 3, 2004
   Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
   St. Thomas, apsotle

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
   Ephesians 2:19-22
   Psalm 117:1-2
   John 20:24-29

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"A Dwelling Place of God in the Spirit"

St. Paul reminds us that Jesus, as capstone, "holds the structure together" and "grows us into a temple sacred in the Lord." Paul characterizes our faith journey from sin as estranged and nomadic souls who have been brought home through salvation to the "household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets." Yes, we're "a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."

We're sent forth into the world to share this Good News which has reformed and rebuilt us into the "dwelling place of God in the Spirit" where wandering souls may find refuge in Him. We build up in others the structure of the temple of the Lord, the dwelling place of God in the Spirit through the sharing of faith in Jesus and the life begotten through His holy Church. Jesus is the capstone, the ever-revealing Word through scripture, doctrine and sacraments continued through apostolic succession. This is the unity that Paul illuminates through Christ Himself, "Through Him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred to the Lord."

Lord, build us into temples that allow You to be about your Father's work of redemption through us. Reveal Yourself to us through the Word of scripture and the sacraments. Let us see our foundation as a sure one with the apostolic succession you continue through our pope, bishops and clergy today. May we build up the Body of Christ.

- Mary Williams
  (wlmsconsul at pdq dot net)



posted by joachim at 4:50 AM