Fr. JohnPaul ANIWODO

Last Sunday, we reflected on the glory and sacredness of the Temple of God — how it was revered as the visible dwelling place of the Almighty. Yet, in this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus shocks His listeners by declaring the nothingness of that same temple:

“The days will come when there shall not be left one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

Why would Jesus speak this way about such a holy place? Because many of the Jews had begun to idolize the temple itself — admiring its beauty, gold, and structure — while forgetting the God who dwelt within it. Their hearts were attached more to the sign than to the Presence.

But Jesus reminds us that everything earthly will one day pass away — not only the physical temple, but the bodily temples of the proud, the deceitful, and the arrogant. The prophet Malachi warns that the day will come when all evil and pride will be consumed like stubble in fire.

Scripture constantly exposes pride as the root of all sin. As Proverbs 8:13 says,

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”

And Sirach 10:12–13 clearly reminds us: “The beginning of man’s pride is to depart from the Lord, and his heart has forsaken his Maker. For pride is the beginning of sin”.

Pride takes many forms — and if we’re not vigilant, it creeps into our hearts in subtle ways:

• Arrogant Pride: believing oneself superior to others because of wealth, intelligence, or status. Yet Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction.”
• Spiritual Pride: seeing oneself as holier or more righteous than others, like the Pharisee in Luke 18:9–14, forgetting that holiness is a gift, not a possession.
• Defensive Pride: refusing correction or help out of fear of appearing weak. But Proverbs 13:10 reminds us, “Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.”
• Conceited Pride: becoming absorbed in beauty, talent, or possessions. Yet 1 John 2:16 teaches, “The pride of life is not from the Father but from the world.”

All these forms of pride lead to the same end — separation from God. The moment we exalt ourselves, we lose sight of His greatness.

Therefore, this Sunday’s message is a gentle but serious invitation: to recognize our nothingness before God. Just as the magnificent temple would one day crumble into dust, so too will our bodies return to the earth. What will remain is not our beauty, wealth, or success, but our faithfulness and humility before the Lord.

Saint Paul urges us to remain steadfast in doing good, never growing weary, while Jesus promises: By your endurance you will gain your lives.” (Luke 21:19)

Let us then cultivate hearts of humility — temples not made of stone or gold, but of obedience, gratitude, and love. For when all else falls, only the humble will stand firm in the presence of God.

“The beginning of man’s pride is to depart from the Lord, and his heart has forsaken his Maker. For pride is the beginning of sin.”

there shall not be left one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”