Sunday, March 4, 2012

Idolatry at the Surly Temple

     Father Robert Barron's most recent YouTube commentary is on the subject of idolatry.
As Father Barron frames it, the subject is both a fitting Lenten reflection and hits upon the overarching theme of this blog as well.
     He begins by suggesting that we would do well to pay more attention to the first three commandments than most people do. Placing God in the forefront of our lives not only makes it easier to heed the remaining seven commandments, but is the key to living a meaningful life. Idolatry in modern life often takes the form of placing undue importance on money, power, sex, food etc. Lent is the perfect time to focus on those things in life that we may love a bit too much, that may be taking our focus away from God. Lent can help us get back in line with commandments one through three.
     Toward the end he reflects on the notion that our bodies are temples of The Holy Spirit.
    First, Father Barron reminds us that when St. Paul tells us that our bodies are temples of The Holy Spirit, his notion of the body refers to one's whole being, not just the physical body. Just as a physical temple is a place to honor God, present sacrifice and observe the sabbath, our lives are intended to serve the same purpose.
 



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