Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr (Memorial)

The glory of the Lord left the threshold of the temple.

Today’s first reading contains a graphic vision of God’s judgment on his people. Because they had disobeyed his commands and followed the customs of the nations around them, Jerusalem would be destroyed, and they would be exiled. Most dreadful of all, the glory of God—his own presence that had accompanied them since the Exodus—departed from the Temple (Ezekiel 10:18). It looked as if the story of God’s chosen people was about to come to an end.

But their story was not over. Ezekiel promised that a small remnant of faithful Jews would be spared and that God would begin something new (11:19). Later, the prophet had a vision of God returning and his glory filling a new rebuilt Temple (43:1-3). God would not only bring his people back as he had done in the exodus. He would give them a new heart and his own Spirit so that they could “walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them” (36:26-27).

This second vision was ultimately fulfilled when Jesus entered the Temple in the arms of his parents (Luke 2:22-38). God once more visited his people and revealed his glory. Only a few recognized him then—or when he began performing mighty deeds, or at his transfiguration, or when he was glorified on the cross—but those who did were amazed at these glimpses of his glory.

Jesus continues to fulfill his promise today. He reveals his glory whenever “two or three are gathered together” in his name (Matthew 18:20). In so many ways, he shows us that he is with his people “always, until the end of the age” (28:20).

What a wonderful promise! You are living in the age of the Church, when Jesus dwells “in the midst” of his people. He is reaching out to you through his Church—in the sacraments, in the kindness of a friend after Mass, in the prayers of God’s people. You are a member of the family of Christ. Jesus welcomes you, and your brothers and sisters pray for you. Rejoice today, and be open to his loving presence.

“Lord, thank you for the gift of your glory, present in your Church and in the world. Help me to see you wherever I go.”

Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22
Psalm 113:1-6
Matthew 18:15-20