Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
(Ezra 6:7-8.12b.14-20; Luke 819-21)
The long first reading from the Book of Ezra today invites
commentary. It relates part of the story
of the building of the so-called “Second Temple.” The first temple “of Solomon” was destroyed by
the Babylonians. The current temple will
not match it, but near the time of Christ King Herod will give a significant upgrading. The issue here is not who builds a more
magnificent temple. Rather, it is
construction of a monument worthy of the Lord that will call people together in
praise.
Once a minister asked a parishioner why he did not attend
religious services the previous Sunday.
The man replied that he went fishing.
He said that he felt closer to God in nature than in church. The
preacher replied that it is good he feels close to God in nature, but churches
are God’s preferred place of prayer.
There men and women come together as a people in peace and love to give
God, their common Father, fitting thanks and praise.
Covid took a toll on Mass attendance. Many people have lost the custom of coming to
church on Sunday. Some say they watch mass
via the Internet, but that is not attending it.
One shortcoming is that they cannot receive Holy Communion, which puts
us literally in touch with the Lord. Our
sharing the Eucharist in a humble church without organ accompaniment is hardly
the experience of solemn Mass in a grand cathedral. But it does give adequate praise to the Lord.
