When the temple was destroyed, the exiles must have thought they lost God. They couldn’t be farther from the truth. God says of the exiles: “though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone” (11:16). Ezekiel sees God’s presence depart the doomed temple and head east in the direction of the exiles. The New Testament echoes this, saying Jesus himself is the temple where God’s presence dwells. Christ’s people are temples, for anywhere God dwells is a temple. Everywhere Christians are is a holy sanctuary — where others might meet God, not through animal sacrifice but through sacrificial love. Ordinary spaces and meals can become sacramental (Hebrews 13:2). How do you live as a temple wherever you are?
Lent season is upon us! Use this time to reflect on what Jesus has done for us.
