The Jerusalem Temple in the days of Herod
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
In a Manner Worthy
For a number of weeks we have spent our noontimes with the prophecy of Jeremiah examining the loss of the great temple, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the humbling experience of exile and deportation. We have also considered our own exile, we have reflected on the prophet’s foreshadowing of the Christ, and we have examined how we might be Jeremiah’s enemies or companions. Today we consider the final message from the prophet that holds so much importance for us. Despite accumulating deceits and betrayals, there is always hope . . . because God is always with us, moving us to live in a manner worthy of God’s call.
From Paul’s letter to the early Christians in Ephesus, and to each of us . . .
I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received . . .
In an ever-quicker world we may not pause often enough to hear God’s voice.
With all humility and gentleness . . .
In an always-competitive world we may not make room for those on the margins.
With patience, bearing with one another through love . . .
In an increasingly self-centric world we may not feel the need to advocate for those who have no voice.
Striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace . . .
In a world of crisis and emergency we may not restore the soul or rest in God.
One body and one Spirit . . .
In an always-dynamic world we may not see that we are one.
As you were also called to the one hope of your call . . .
In an always-problematic world we may not believe in a reason to hope.
One Lord, one faith, one baptism . . .
In an always-divergent world we may not want to listen to others.
One God and Father of all . . .
In a world that thinks there is no God we may not witness to injustice and corruption.
Who is over all and through all and in all . . .
In an always-vibrant world we must believe that we are worthy of the call that God has sent us.
Amen.
To learn more about Solomon’s Temple and the renovations made by Herod, visit The Archeology of the Bible site by clicking the temple image above or visiting: http://www.bible-archaeology.info/temple_of_jerusalem.htm
The Noontimes 
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