Open that temple and church in you, and begin to pray now!

Readings: 1^st: 2 Kg 5:1-15; Sal: Ps: 41, 2.3; 42, 3.4; Gos: Lk 4:24-30

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Good evening brothers and sisters in Christ,

I hope we are all doing fine? I continue in prayer for you and for all mankind in this time of many inconveniences and uncertainties. More importantly, in this time of Lent in which everyone seems confused and in which everything seems hopeless. Brethren, we must move forward without losing faith!

Although many cement buildings in many churches and temples of worship are closed, and liturgical activities suspended for the sake of COVID – 19, and for what seems like good reasons, there is a church and temple within each of us that cannot be closed. There is a temple in every person, heart, and home where God dwells. So, what this time calls us and demands us to do from this moment on, is to open that temple or church built by the hands of God and begin to communicate with God.

The Lenten period is a time of strong prayer, a time of sacrifice and a time of conversion. Who knows if that is why, that God allows us to go through this moment? That is, so that we can deepen our relationship with him, and so that we can deepen our f prayer life. So, instead of staying at home thinking and asking why we have been afflicted like Naaman the leper in the first reading today, go on your knees right now, with eyes and heart fixed on God. Present all your concerns and this moment of world-wide affliction to God. Invite him to take control of everything.

I believe that our prayer will reach heaven from the temple of our hearts and homes. And, God will do what he knows how to always do. Brethren, do not live like hopeless people. Strong moments like the one we live in right now need strong Christians; people who are fervent in prayers, and who can endure as Christ our Lord endured. This is a time to show who we are – true sons of God!

So, let us continue in prayers. I will stand here before Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament until God listens to us and delivers us from our afflictions. You my brother, sister, friend, fellow priest, open that temple in your heart and do the same.

Peace be with You.

Maranatha!