How to Prepare your Heart to be God's Temple!
Just like Mary, we are temples of God, so how do we live that out? Here are a few ways to make your heart into a temple for God!
Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe! I heard a homily during a children’s mass this morning that was so simple and yet profound at the same time! Father was explaining to the school kids the story of Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe. He explained that Mary wanted a Church built in the place that she appeared. Father asked the students why Mary would ask for a Church to be built there, and finally shared this simple message:
“Mary wanted a Church built there because… who lives in the Church? Jesus.” (he said while pointing to the tabernacle)
This reminded me of our family’s practice each time we pass a Catholic Church. My kids and I always shout to God!! “Good morning!” “Hi Jesus!” “We love you, God!”
The following conversation then takes place:
Me: “Where does Jesus live?”
Kids: “In the tabernacle.” (My daughter used to say “tatternapple!” <3 )
Me: “Where else does Jesus live?”
Kids: “In our hearts.”
Mary’s purpose, always and everywhere, is to point us to her Son, Jesus. She brought Him into the world physically, and continues to point our hearts to Him! Father continued his homily challenging each child and parent to make a place for Jesus in the tabernacle of our own hearts each day, so that we can point others to Him, too.
I love this challenge, because I need the constant reminder to do this in my own life. It is easy to believe in God, to go to mass, to maintain the look of holiness or faith… but to forget to invite Jesus into the temple of our heart each day. One can be an avid church goer, but trapped in sin; gossip, addiction, unforgiveness, pride. All of these things, and so much more, create walls around the temple of our heart. These walls not only keep us from loving others well or living a life of holiness, but they keep God out… out of his rightful home in our hearts. (I share this from experience… as God has to constantly chisel away my own walls.)
So, how can we, like Mary, invite God into our hearts each day? Here are a few simple ways:
When you think of God at any moment during the day, don’t let the moment pass! Pause whatever you are doing, and say a prayer. This can be a traditional memorized prayer or simply, “I love you God. Help me today to be more like you.”
If you find yourself thinking or speaking badly about another person, apologize to God and offer a prayer for that person instead. If you’ve spoken badly to another person about someone, verbalize a compliment about that person to make reparations for the way you harmed their character.
Do you struggle with vanity or pride? Write a bible verse or quote on your mirror that reminds you of God rather than yourself. One of my favorites is, “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” It reminds me to always reflect on death and live each day as if it could be my last. It also reminds me that this body is but ash held together by God’s love; it is nothing to be vain about.
When a spouse, child, friend, or loved one speaks to you, is in front of you, or requests time from you, turn your phone to airplane mode. I know this can be hard, but let us each be challenged to love the person in front of us! After all, that person is a living walking tabernacle of Christ, too!
Do you dislike house chores or grow angry when those things always fall on you? Instead of getting angry or resentful, pray for the person or situations you are angry about. Ask God to soften your heart to love serving others… even at the sacrifice of yourself.
Try reading a chapter a day of Imitation of Christ! (Don’t worry they are short chapters.) It is a great daily reflection on one’s personal defects and ways God is moving in each heart.
How do you make your heart into a temple for God? Share in the comments below!