The Desecration of the Temple by Antiochus EpiphanesFootnotes tell us that there truly was an abomination set in the temple by King Manasseh (see 2 Kings 21 and 2 Chronicles 33) and later removed by King Josiah (2 Kings 23). It was a statue of Asherah, a Syrian goddess. (If you want to read about her, you can go to www.jewishencyclopedia.com.) Footnotes also tell us that although the statue had been removed, it was likely re-established with the re-paganization of Jerusalem when Josiah died. In any event, the point is that something sacred, the dwelling place of Yahweh, is profaned by the very people who should be protecting and honoring it. Do we do this from time to time in our own lives? Do we allow sacred places and sacred people to be invaded or desecrated? Do we worship symbols that make us feel good rather than God who brings us joy? Are we paralyzed in our old and comfortable habits rather than learning to live in the newness of Christ? Are we blind to the needs of others? Do we have deafness of heart? Or do we hear the cry of poor and the broken-hearted?
From the morning and evening MAGNIFICAT intercessions:
Free those who are paralyzed by sinful ways, and teach them to run with joy in the way of your commandments.
Give sight to those who are blinded by self-centeredness, and teach them to see the beauty of those around them.
Grant hearing to those who are deaf of heart, and teach them to rejoice in your word.
You build us into a dwelling place in the Spirit: fill us with the glory of your presence.
We are human. We find comfort in things which bring us immediate satisfaction. But this comfort is not lasting.
We are divine. We find serenity in things that spring from God. And this serenity is everlasting.
Written on April 21, 2008 and posted today as a Favorite.
The Noontimes 