Thursday, September 25, 2003
25th Week in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Hg 1:1-8
Gospel: Lk 9:7-9

King Herod heard of all this and did not know what to think, for people said, "This is John, raised from the dead." Others believed that Elijah or one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. As for Herod, he said, "I had John beheaded; who is this man about whom I hear such wonders?" And he was anxious to see him.

Commentary

"Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may appear in my glory, says the Lord." The Glory of the Lord dwells in the temple but because of the sins of Israel, the Glory of Yahweh left the temple. Jesus is the new Temple in which the fullness of God's glory dwells. St. Francis misunderstood the command of the Crucified Christ at the dilapidated chapel when he heard: "Francis, rebuild my church." He understood the physical building and so he single-handedly restored the chapel. But he came to realize that the church that Jesus wants to rebuild is his people especially the poor. Francis made himself poor in order to be the servant of the poor. He understood that the poor is the new temple where Jesus dwells demanding our service and commitment.

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