Once, the great Evangelist and Preacher, Billy Graham, found himself in a strange town to speak at a revival. The day before the event he was walking about town looking for the post office. Not finding it he stopped a young boy of 12 years of age and asked him if he knew where the post office was. He said, of course, and gave Rev Graham directions.
Before departing for the post office, Graham asked the boy if he planned to attend the revival next evening and learn how to get to heaven. “No, answered the boy! Why would I trust you to teach me how to get to heaven when you do not even know where the post office is?”
Today’s readings give us a taste of heaven on earth. First Solomon has built this incredibly beautiful temple unmatched by anything in Israel up to that time. He located it on top of Mount Zion on what is still known to this day as the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
With its massive, towering white walls, adorned with Gold, shimmering in the sunlight. Often the temples brilliance blinded pilgrims even from a distance as they came up to Jerusalem.
When the Ark of the Covenant reaches the inner sanctum, called the Holy of Holies, the Glory of God enters In the form of a cloud and comes to reside in the temple of Solomon. Wow! Heaven on earth.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that the Lord’s glory is not confined to the temple. Jesus, God incarnate, brings the glory of God into villages, marketplaces, and the entire countryside. The people brought all who were sick to him and begged that they might touch the tassel of his garment and be healed.
Not only does Jesus heal then but he has entrusted to us the grace to bring his healing to all who are sick physically, psychologically, spiritually.
He works through his Church, his ministers and all of us to bring healing to all in need. Through us the sick can touch the hem of his garment and be healed. They can encounter Jesus who is truly heaven on earth in the Eucharist, in the compassionate arms of moms and dads, sons, and daughters in families, of grandparents, friends, and neighbors.
Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, the Lord blesses us with the grace to bring his healing to all in need. That is heaven on earth. Amen!
- Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page.(You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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