Catholic Bible Study Augustine Institute

The Temple in Jerusalem was God's glorious dwelling with his chosen people, but it was only a house made by human hands. Jesus proclaims a new Temple, not made with hands, that surpasses the stone building in Jerusalem. Jesus gives himself to us and to dwell in our hearts, anticipating the day that we will dwell with him in Heaven.

As the final week before his Passion begins, Jesus has stern warnings for those who would oppose God by rejecting his beloved Son. Will we also reject his words, or will we heed the call to be faithful by rendering unto God the things that are God's?

As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem, three times he predicts his approaching Passion. In response to the disciples' rejection of his words, Jesus works to heal their understanding both of his kingship and of the true nature of Christian discipleship.

The mystery of the bread, the Eucharistic Presence of God, begins to be revealed in the miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Jesus reveals himself as the divine giver of a new manna. Yet, as Isaiah foretold, the disciples struggle to understand the significance of his deeds.

In the midst of a great storm the disciples cry out in fear. Jesus's words to his frightened disciples are also a challenge to us. In the storms of our life, will we focus on the wind and waves and give in to fear, or will we keep our eyes firmly fixed on Christ in faith?

The voice of the Lord calls the cosmos into existence and shakes all creation with its power. Jesus, the Incarnate Word of God, speaks with the same power and authority. But we must have ears to hear if his word is to bear fruit in our lives.