Daily Devotion

“God doesn't need us to build magnificent stone churches for Him; what He wants is for us to build living temples of love and hope in the hearts of the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten.”

Vincent Lebbe · Father Raymond Leigh's Maxims and Thoughts

Scripture

Acts 7:48-49 For the Most High does not dwell in anything made by human hands, as the prophet said: ‘Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool,’ says the Lord. What kind of house will you build for me? Where will I rest?’

Reflection

We often seek God in grand churches or outward ceremonies, believing that building towering temples is the greatest act of piety. However, the Most High does not dwell in stone houses built by human hands. If He takes heaven and earth as His seat, how can He be confined by bricks and stones? What God truly desires to dwell in is our hearts and the lives of those who are suffering and marginalized. When we turn our gaze from cold buildings to the poor and suffering around us, seeing the countenance of Christ in them, and soothing their pain with care and love, we are building the most beautiful and warmest "living temple" for God in this world.