THERE IS ALWAYS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

⏰Friday of the Twenty-Fifth Week of Ordinary Time 1 (27 Sept. 2019 – Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul)

📖Haggai 1:15 – 2:9; Ps 43:1, 2, 3, 4 (R.v.5cd); Luke 9:18-22

🎤THERE IS ALWAYS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

The problems of the Israelites after their return from exile did not just end with the fact of lack of resources to use in rebuilding the temple. Some of them who knew the temple before it was destroyed lost hope of being able to raise the temple to such a status again.

Think of losing a very precious thing that cost you much to get. That was the experience of the Jews as regards the destroyed temple. Worst still, no hope of a possible replacement. But remember that that destroyed temple was part of their sinful past. They gloried in that temple without respecting the Supreme One who dwelt in the Temple.

Now, God encouraged them through the prophet Haggai that they will get even a more befitting temple in which God himself will dwell and be respected (cf. Hag 2:1-9). We too have some sinful temples that we need to destroy in us but we are afraid of the future. It could be that particular sin that earns you a lot of presumed comfort.

Jesus promises you, “Destroy this temple and I will rebuild it in three days” (John 2:19). No matter what you may go through because of your faith in Christ, there shall be joy at the dawn. After all, the suffering and death of Jesus ended with the resurrection (cf. Luke 9:22).

Through the intercession of St. Vincent de Paul, who spent his life helping others to rebuild their fallen temples and shattered lives through spiritual and material assistance, we pray that God may give us the grace to leave behind all that are not of him and follow him. And as we do so, may he bless us with a better life with more good things through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Have a fulfilled day with renewed strength. Peace be with you.