Shekinah

Yesterday’s homily was most touching.

In my times at the church, I could probably remember only a handful memorable preaching. Yesterday’s, given by the officiating priest (I don’t know the name) at the Our Lady of Peace Shrine in EDSA, qualifies.

The liturgy was about Jesus’ coming to Jerusalem. In relation to which, Rev. Father’s homily emphasized the Lord not fearing going there (though all indications showed that he would be in trouble the moment he step his foot there) taught us three things on how to gain confidence to be able to do that which we must.

He mentioned three keys:

(1) BE PREPARED
Jesus knew what to expect and he prepared himself for it. He prayed to the Father. Connected is the second key-

(2) TRUST GOD
Trust that everything happens for a reason and that God is in control. Whatever happens, pleasant or not, however much we suffer, the Lord is always with us. He has a plan. (Jer. 29:11) He would not forsake us nor abandon us. And everything will work for the good. (Rom. 8:28) Have faith.

(3) KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WILL PASS
Life on earth is temporary. We should have a vision focused on Heaven. (Here, I recall the movie about the Miracle at Fatima and how the three children, with the promise of salvation and eternal life, remained firm in their faith.)

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This afternoon, I had the chance to attend mass at St Pio Center in Libis. I didn’t get the name of the priest again, but I remember it’s not the first time I listened to his homily.

He talked about Shekinah: the manifestation of the glory of God. He confessed that whenever he would raise the Host in mass, he would shudder because each time, he was reminded of the Dark Ages when the Church believed that the Host is the only holy sanctuary. And that the parishioners then would request the priest celebrating the holy mass to lengthen the time he would raise the Host to the point that a spar would be put to support the arms of the priest so he could raise the Host up longer and the people could venerate the Body of Christ. Each request earned the priest money. So, the longer the priest raised the Host, the more money he earned.

Then he mentioned about the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. It was the only remaining edifice of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews believe (until now) that it is the only holy place. For the Jews, it’s where God is.

Then he asked us: “Where is Jesus?”

I was stunned for a moment.

He said that Jesus is in each one of us. Remember that we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

I remembered my brother- too many times I would scold him; and all the other people I resented.

May the Lord forgive me for my acridity.

C.S. Lewis said: The holiest thing next to the Host is your neighbor.

I now know what he meant. May the good Lord remind me always to honor my neighbor. Amen.