Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindale, Texas shared commentary on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 

“When our Savior came, he appeared as a divine temple, glorious beyond any comparison, far more splendid and excellent than the older temple,” the reflection stated. 

The incarnation of Christ was splendid beyond all of the expectations of society. 

The temple in Jerusalem was the only place where the Israelites would make their sacrifices, but since the coming of the Lord, people in every nation now are able to worship God. As glorious as Christ was — coming as the second temple — we await the glory of the final temple, the reflection stated.

“With justice, therefore, do we say that the final temple, the Church, will be more glorious,” the reflection stated. “To those who are so solicitous for the Church and labor for its construction, Haggai declares that a gift will be made, a gift from heaven given by the Savior. That gift is Christ himself, the peace of all men.”

The reflection explains that attaining the peace of Christ helps us to live a life that is guided by virtues and dedication to our creator, bringing glory back to him who has redeemed us all. 

“Haggai, therefore, declares that peace will be given to all who build. One builds the Church either as a teacher of the sacred mysteries, as one set over the House of God, or as one who works for his own good by setting himself forth as a living and spiritual stone in the holy temple,” the reflection stated. “God’s dwelling place in the Spirit. The results of these efforts will profit such men so that each will be able to gain his own salvation without difficulty.”

Let us find these passages encouraging as we navigate through this challenging life and await the glory of the world to come.