The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High! — Psalm 46:5 

Mass Readings: Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12 / 1 Corinthians 3:9-11,16-17 / John 2:13-22 

Under Construction 

A line from today’s Gospel made me think about airports: “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years.” Have you ever been to any airport that wasn’t in the middle of some sort of building, remodeling, or expansion project? They seem to be permanently “under construction.” 

And so, thank God, are we. Yes, if I’m out of shape or have unhealthy habits I can work on correcting those but even as my body begins to fail because of age or illness, I can grow stronger spiritually. Perhaps especially as I suffer, I can do that. Jesus and the saints show that suffering can become a form of prayer not just for oneself but for others. How they lived, and how they died, show that’s not easy. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray today for those who are in pain.