The New Temple - Fr. Gregory - October 15, 2023

Many Christians are wondering if we are living in the “end times”. Father Gregory reminds us of the miracle of Christ’s resurrection - the “end times” were inaugurated when Christ rose from the dead. Here he established the new temple, His body, which is also the church. We, the church, are the temple where Christ dwells. The Kingdom of God is already present here on earth. We experience this most acutely in the Divine Liturgy as the Kingdom of God breaks through and we experience a foretaste of what is to come. However, the Kingdom of God is not yet fully established as the Holy Spirit continues to gather all people to Himself. This is why Christ has not returned - we, the church, His body and the temple, still have work to do. Christ’s final commandment to His followers was to make disciples of all nations. He is waiting patiently to allow us to continue this work, throwing the seeds of the Gospel through good deeds and bringing all people to His body, the temple. Rather than focusing on the “end times”, may we apply ourselves to good deeds that we may be fruitful and continue to grow Christ’s church ahead of His second coming. Then will He firmly and permanently establish His Kingdom where peace and love will reign forever.