The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode: Day 83: Jesus and the Temple
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Reading: Paragraphs 583 to 586
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Introduction
In Day 83 of The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound relationship between Jesus Christ and the Jewish Temple. Drawing from paragraphs 583 to 586 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fr. Mike explores how Jesus not only revered the Temple but also fulfilled its ultimate purpose, ushering in a new era of worship through the Eucharist.
Jesus’s Reverence for the Temple
Fr. Mike begins by emphasizing Jesus's deep respect for the Temple in Jerusalem, aligning His sentiments with those of the prophets who preceded Him.
[0:15] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Like the prophets before him, Jesus expressed the deepest respect for the Temple in Jerusalem."
He recalls significant moments from Jesus's life that underscore this reverence:
- Presentation at the Temple: Joseph and Mary presented Jesus in the Temple forty days after His birth.
- Stay at Twelve: At age twelve, Jesus remained in the Temple, informing His parents that He must be about His Father's business.
- Annual Pilgrimages: Throughout His hidden life, Jesus frequently visited the Temple, especially during Passover.
- Public Ministry: His public teachings were often conducted during pilgrimages to Jerusalem for major Jewish feasts.
These instances highlight the Temple as Jesus’s primary place for encountering God, serving as the dwelling of His Father and a house of prayer.
The Multifaceted Role of the Temple
Fr. Mike elaborates on the Temple's significance beyond being a place of worship:
[7:45] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "It's like the Temple is not only St. Peter's Basilica... it's also like the White House in the sense of governance would happen from the Temple, and like Wall Street in the sense that commerce would happen regulated in the Temple."
For the Jewish community, the Temple was the nexus of spiritual, administrative, and economic life. It was the sole place where sacrifices could be offered to God, solidifying its central role in Jewish existence and identity.
Jesus’s Zeal and the Prophecy of Destruction
A pivotal moment in Jesus’s ministry was His cleansing of the Temple, where He drove out the money changers:
[3:30] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "You shall not make my father's house a house of trade."
This act was driven by His recognition of the Temple as the true dwelling place of God, where worship should be pure and undistracted by commercial activities. Jesus’s anger was rooted in His desire to preserve the sanctity of God’s presence.
Fr. Mike also touches upon Jesus’s prophetic announcement of the Temple's destruction:
[12:10] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "He announced a sign of the last days which were to begin with his own Passover."
This prophecy was fulfilled in the 70s when the Romans destroyed the Temple, marking a significant turning point in Jewish and Christian history. Jesus’s prediction underscored the transition from the old covenant centered around the Temple to a new covenant founded on His sacrifice.
Transition to the New Covenant: The Eucharist
Fr. Mike connects the fulfillment of the Temple to the establishment of the Eucharist:
[16:50] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "The Eucharist means thanksgiving... the sacrifice we've been given by Jesus at the Last Supper, the Eucharist, that sacrifice of thanksgiving that we offer every single day around the world."
With the Temple's destruction, Jesus instituted the Eucharist as the new and eternal form of worship, replacing the old sacrificial system. This new covenant emphasizes a direct and personal relationship with God, transcending the need for a centralized place of worship.
Fr. Mike highlights the continuity between the Temple sacrifices and the Eucharist:
[19:25] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "God with us. You have tabernacled among us. You've made your home among us."
Through the Eucharist, believers participate in Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, fostering a perpetual act of thanksgiving and communion with God.
Conclusion and Reflection
Fr. Mike concludes by inviting listeners to embrace the presence of God in the Eucharist and recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the Temple's purpose. He encourages a deepened understanding and love for this new form of worship, which bridges the ancient traditions with contemporary faith practice.
[22:40] Fr. Mike Schmitz: "Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."
Key Takeaways
- Jesus’s Deep Respect for the Temple: The Temple was central to Jesus’s life and ministry, serving as His primary place of worship and encounter with God.
- Multifaceted Importance of the Temple: Beyond worship, the Temple was integral to governance and commerce in Jewish life.
- Zeal for the Temple: Jesus’s actions in the Temple were driven by a desire to maintain the sanctity of God’s dwelling.
- Prophecy and Fulfillment: Jesus foretold the Temple’s destruction, symbolizing the transition to a new covenant.
- Establishment of the Eucharist: The Eucharist serves as the new and eternal form of worship, fulfilling the Temple’s role and fostering a direct relationship with God.
Reflection Questions
- How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of the Temple enhance your appreciation of the Eucharist?
- In what ways can you emulate Jesus’s zeal for maintaining the sanctity of your spiritual life?
- How does the transition from the Temple to the Eucharist inform your daily practice of faith?
This episode offers a rich exploration of the Temple's significance in both Jewish tradition and Christian theology, highlighting Jesus’s pivotal role in transforming worship practices and establishing a more intimate relationship between believers and God.