Jesus reminded his disciples that the Word of God will not always be received with joy. Some hearts are open and humble, like the people of Nineveh who repented, or the crowd at Pentecost who turned to baptism and faith. Others, however, respond with indifference, pride, distraction, or ingratitude.

This is a sobering reminder for us.

Have our prayers and devotions become routine, where we are just going through the motions? Are we too distracted by busyness to truly hear God’s voice? Does pride or self-sufficiency prevent us from accepting His Word? Or do we take for granted the countless blessings and graces the Lord has given to us?

The Lord calls us to humility and gratitude, to receive His Word with a heart that listens, repents, and allows Him to transform our lives.

Today we remember with gratitude the Holy Guardian Angels, those messengers of God who guide, guard, and protect us on our journey of faith. Angels remind us that God is always present with us, even when unseen.

But this memorial also calls us to more, to be “angels” for others. Through the Holy Spirit given to us in baptism, we too are sent to bring God’s presence into the lives of those around us: by guiding, protecting, encouraging, and leading others closer to Christ.

Every small act of kindness, every word of encouragement, every prayer we whisper for someone in need, these are ways we become God’s messengers today.

Reflection Question: How is God inviting me to be an “angel”, a messenger of His love, protection, or guidance, for someone today?

What does it truly mean to rebuild the Temple of God?

The prophet Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory departing the Temple before the Babylonian siege reminds us that a magnificent structure is meaningless without the divine presence. Today, the closure and decay of churches in many regions is not simply a financial issue, but a sign of waning faith among the people.

When faith is routine, inward-looking, or merely nominal, generosity fades. But when hearts encounter the living Christ within a vibrant community, faith is rekindled and with it comes the zeal and generosity to sustain God’s Church.

Reflection Question: How is Christ inviting me to encounter Him more deeply so that my zeal for His Church may be renewed?