Find happiness by returning to the Lord

Hag. 1:1-8, Lk. 9:7-9. In today's first reading, the Prophet Haggai instructs the returning exiles to reconsider their continued refusal to rebuild the House of God in Jerusalem after their return from exile in Babylon. The people rebuilt their houses and cities and resettled nicely in their ancestral land and yet, refused to replace the Jerusalem Temple built by Solomon that has been destroyed by the Babylonians. Haggai called on them to rebuild the Temple and put their priorities right by making effort to return the Lord's Glory to His people, else Israelites would not be able to find true and lasting happiness and peace. Most times, in the midst of adversities, we remember God and pray fervently but soon after such adversities we forget God who journeyed with us through those moments.

It is the fact that we are God’s chosen people and God should be at the centre of our lives and existence. We should not tarry and wait, postpone and delay in doing the needful like the Israelites had done in rebuilding the House of God while they rebuilt their houses and cities. It means that just as we continue to live our lives, building our careers and families, wealth and properties and things that we desire, we must always remember our obligation to focus on God. In everything we say and do, we must always have God in mind, or else, we go astray and fall into sin. Today let us reflect on how to cultivate noble thoughts, speak edifying words and treat everyone with respect, instead of 'the blame factors' that leaves us cripple. In today's Gospel, Herod continue to live in such a life of blame and in constant perplexity because of his criminal act. Let us remember that every thought of negativity, words pronounced to tarnish the reputation of others and every gesture of oppression will continue to hunt us if we do not do the right things.

May the Lord whose Body is the Temple, not made by human hands and the defending wall of the new Jerusalem, make us shine with spiritual radiance and be witnesses to the greatness of God in the sight of all nations! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!