1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 / Mark 6:53-56
One of the most famous religious antiquities is the Ark of the Covenant that is mentioned in the 1st reading. Its whereabouts or if it still exists is unknown.
In the Book of Exodus, God instructed Moses to build the Ark with specific dimensions. Essentially it was made of gold-plated wood, and topped with two large, golden angels. It was carried using poles inserted through rings on its sides. In it were the stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written.
When king Solomon brought the Ark to Jerusalem and into the Temple, the sacrifice of sheep and oxen were countless, innumerable.
And the glory of the Lord in the form of a cloud filled the Temple and it was awesome. Truly, the Ark was the sign of God's presence among His people, although it contained only the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments.
In church, there is the Tabernacle which contained a far more sacred and holy presence. It is none other than the Eucharist, the Body of Christ.
Although there is no need to offer sacrifices of sheep and oxen, there must be due reverence and honour and respect given.
And what Jesus wants of us is the offering of our time with our hearts.
And what we will receive from Him is forgiveness and healing, peace and joy, strength and protection.
Let us make time every day to come before the Lord Jesus in the Tabernacle. It is also a preparation to spend eternity with Him.