29 January 2020
Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect, is best known for his organic and free-flowing architecture. Gaudi was a devout Roman Catholic and he was not shy in expressing his faith through the religious imagery in his works. His strong faith earned him the nickname “God’s Architect.” He was involved in many great works around Barcelona, but his main project was the construction of the Sagrada Familia (Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family) in Barcelona. Gaudi was commissioned to build the church in 1883. As he began the project, he became more and more pious and closer to God. After 1910, he began to turn away from his other works so as to focus primarily on the Sagrada Familia. He spent many hours cloistering himself on site and neglecting his workshop.
Gaudi believed that his mission was to give glory to God through his work and for that reason, he believes the project should not be rushed. Legend says that Gaudi would often say, “My client can wait.” Indeed, despite his investment of time and energy, the project was not finished by the end of his life. Gaudi died on June 10th, 1926 after he was struck by a tram on his daily walk to the Church for his usual daily prayer and confession. The project was halted by wars and many others issues. In 2012, Barcelona-born architect Jordi Faulí assumed control of the project and it is predicted that the long-stalled project will be completed by 2026.
In today’s scripture, we hear how David observes a contrast between his palace and the Lord’s tent and how he intends to build a new temple for God. God does not need a new temple. Rather, God wants to build a dynasty for David. Even though David has a good intention to build a temple for the Lord, God tells him that it is his son who will build the temple. David’s plan to build a temple must be understood from the fact that David has solidified his role as a King. First, David founded a new capital city, Jerusalem, and then he brings the Ark of the Covenant to the new capital. David makes a strategic move by making Jerusalem both a political and a religious capital. Then, David wants to build the temple because he intends to provide a permanent house for the Ark of Covenant. By building a temple in Jerusalem, David intends to solidify his rule as the King. God has an alternative plan because He wants to build a different house for David, that is, an everlasting Kingdom. Although, David’s son Solomon is the one who will build the Temple for God. Moreover, God assures David that although God may punish the kings in David’s dynasty, God will never abandon them the way God rejected Saul.
In prayer today, ponder and reflect on the story of David. Do you have any intentions to work on certain projects for God? How will you feel if God has a different plan and alters the course of your project? Speak it freely and openly to Jesus.