2015.07.17: temple of God

“I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.” – Mt 12:6

what is it that makes
a temple a temple?
it’s not the location
it’s not the architecture
it’s not the stone and mortar
it’s not he wood and nail
it’s not the stained-glass windows
it’s not the curtains
it’s not the candles
it’s not the incense
it’s not the pulpit
it’s not the statues
it’s not other religious icons
it’s not the inner sanctum
it’s not the sacrificial altar
it’s not the turtledoves, lamb, or bull
it’s not the priests

what makes a temple holy
is the presence of God
where God is present
even the ground is holy

2015.07.14: the human experience, too

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. – Mt 11:20

like stars fallen from above
we’ve forgotten our true nature
we’ve all done things we regret
we’ve hurt each other
with what we failed to do

repent repent repent
the Kingdom of God is here
he came to remind us
that we are children of God
and show us the way back

but the choice remains ours
to embrace our true nature
fallen and risen
darkness and light
human and divine

or die