The Cathedral Within

Gospel: Luke 19: 1-10

Today's readings remind us that today's feast is not really about the dedication of a particular building, but more about the temple God has built in the human heart.  It is the cathedral within wherein we offer true worship to God, a cathedral that is imperishable.  Buildings made of stone are impermanent and structures that lack a soul; they come and they go.  But the human heart has an eternal destiny and it is this structure that God built that is the true temple of God.

In today's Gospel story we find how to build and operate such a temple within.  Zacchaeus first repents of the sins he has committed against others.  Then, he dedicates himself to the care of the poor and needy in his community, offering his possessions and treasure for their benefit.  This is how we offer true worship in spirit and in truth to God: through repentance of our sins, and in a life dedicated to mercy and care for others in our world who need it.  

The buildings we erect and the liturgies we create are vicarious preparations for living this true worship within our hearts.  These buildings and rituals are not ends in themselves, but rather means to an end - means to building the cathedral within our hearts dedicated to the mercy and love of God in the care and love of others.