Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19 / Matthew 8:5-17
If we were to check out some information about the Temple that king Solomon built, we will know that it was a huge and magnificent building. It can be said to be one of the man-made wonders of the world at that time.
Besides the gold and silver ornaments, huge blocks of finest stone was used for the building and the building's foundation was laid with hewn stone.
Yes, it was the pride and glory of Israel and a proclamation that God was dwelling in their midst in that Temple.
But the impressive man-made Temple also slowly became a false sense of security for the people.
They slowly became complacent in their faith but because the Temple was there, and seemingly indestructible, things began to spiral downwards.
But in the 587BC, king Nebuchanezzar of Babylon conquered Jerusalem and his army tore down the huge impressive Temple.
Before their very eyes, their beloved Temple, their pride and glory, was laid to waste.
In the 1st reading, the book of Lamentation try to put into words the sorrow and grief of the people; it was a shocking awakening to say the least.
But if the 1st reading was about lamentations, then the gospel is about inspiration and consolation.
Jesus is the new and everlasting Temple of God who affirms the faith of the centurion and takes away our sickness and infirmities.
So our security and salvation is not in impressive stone buildings that will eventually pass away.
Our security and salvation lies in Jesus who died and rose from the dead. May we put all our faith and hope in Him alone.