Readings: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13; Psalm 132; Mark 6:53-56
In the First Reading of today, we have an account of the dedication of the magnificent temple that Solomon built for the Lord. We read how the glorious presence of God filled the temple.
In the Gospel of today, Jesus came to Gennesaret and the people recognised Him and hurried from everywhere towards Him. Why? Because they recognised in Him, the glory, power and presence of God. He is the true temple of God, Hebrews 1:3 says.
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.
How does this speak to us?
Are we not also the temple of God? (Read 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19).
God wants to reveal His power, glory and presence through us. Like Jesus, God wants people to see Him living, shining and working in us. He wants us to be a carrier of His presence.
For us to radiate God’s glory and be a carrier of His presence, some things are crucial. Today let me preach on just two.
A. We must not be lovers of sin
Sin obscures God’s glory. Holiness of life paves the way for God’s glory and presence to be felt around us. Constant examination of conscience, repentance, confession, penance and firm purpose of amendment polishes us spiritually to reflect God’s glory brightly.
B. We must be people of His presence
The more we stay in God’s presence and the more we devote time to being with the Lord, in loving His presence, in spending time with Him, the more we carry His radiance. People who love God’s presence always carry around something of His presence. No wonder that whenever Moses came from God’s presence, his face shone brightly (Exodus 34:29-30).
Lord, your glory was visible in the temple made by human hands. May your glory be visible to the world in this temple, which you have purified, cleansed, redeemed and built for your own honour.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on February 7, 2022