The prophet Zechariah said that God’s people would live “as though in open country” and that he would always protect them. Today we know that this prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is our Rock, our Fortress, and our Deliverer (Ps 18:3). There is no need for us to defend ourselves or insure ourselves from the evil one. Jesus is all the protection and insurance we will ever need.
Many Christians today don’t seem to believe this. Some say the Lord protects us through insurance companies, military forces or government agencies. Is this the Lord’s idea, or rather a theology based upon a lack of faith ? Yet as we look at the mess our world is in, it’s easy to see how people feel this way. It’s easy to think he has abandoned us.
To help the Israelites believe he was with them he gave them the Temple as a physical sign. Today he gives us something even greater which is the Eucharist; which is not just a physical sign, but his real presence. He will never abandoned us ! So when you go to Mass tomorrow, rejoice ! The Lord has come to dwell among you, not in a far away Temple, but in your heart.
St. Joseph, pray for us !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
