The Beautiful Tabernacle
Don’t you just LOVE scripture! It is so rich, so deep, and so profound. Of course, it is inspired by God so this makes perfect sense. Well, today’s readings offer much to reflect upon indeed and I thought it would be nice to chat a bit about the sons of Levi.
Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah, was the founder of the Levites. The three clans of the Levites were the descendants of the three sons of Levi and these clans were assigned the job of dismantling, transporting, and erecting the Tabernacle. Given that the Tabernacle was central to the Jewish faith (because God/Yahweh lived there), this was both a huge honor and huge responsibility. Think for a moment how central our Tabernacle is to our Catholic faith and you will start to get the picture here.
The Scattered Levites
Unfortunately, the Levites were scattered. This scattering was the result of an episode in Levi’s youth where he was defending his sister’s honor. The situation prompted great anger in Levi, who had a very spiritual and loving heart. In return, his father Jacob handed down a curse that would affect the generations and it was this curse that was the impetuous for the scattering of Levites. However, through all their trials and sufferings the Levites remained faithful to God and, most importantly, they continued to care for God’s house – the Tabernacle. Eventually, the great prophet Moses was be born from this tribe and it was the Levites who rallied to Moses’ side while others worshipped the Golden Calf.
So in a nut shell:
- The Levites suffered as the result of heartache in the family.
- The Levites remained faithful to God and they were appointed to care for his Tabernacle.
- The great prophet Moses was born into this tribe.
- The Levites were (are) spiritual leaders of the Jewish people.
Why So Much Levi Talk?
So why so much talk about the sons of Levi in my reflection? Well, we see in our first reading that the Lord “will purify the sons of Levi.” My interpretation here is that the curse handed down by Jacob will be removed. Then the people will be healed of the pain it imposed. Healing will happen in the family lineage because proper restoration with God will occur through this purification.
We must keep in mind that the Tabernacle was central to the sacrificial offerings and the Levites were the ones entrusted with the care of the Tabernacle. So when we read in today’s first reading about the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem being pleasing to God this is a huge deal! This means restoration is happening – the people are coming back to God and they are being healed of whatever pain is causing them to be separate from God.
The Perfect Sacrifice
Jesus Christ is the perfect sacrifice – the One who came to restore what has been lost and to reunite the people with the Father. Even though the Jewish people had numerous prophets tell them they must sacrifice and be obedient to God, they continued to fall short. Given this God sent his only son – the perfect sacrifice, so that mankind could enjoy union with God for all eternity.
And as Elijah came and proclaimed God’s greatness to the people, John the Baptist proclaimed the truth of Jesus for the world – the One who is the living, perfect and true Tabernacle. John the Baptist paved the way for our Lord throughout all the hill country in a big way and we are the ones who benefit from his labors. I can only imagine the excitement in the hill country of Judea during the time of John the Baptist!
Wrapping Up
So where are we now? Like the Jewish people of the Old Testament, mankind continues to sin and disappoint God. Yet, God is always with us and so is his Tabernacle – Jesus Christ. Unlike the people of the Old Testament, we do not need to offer sacrifice to God – Jesus did this for us when he died on the Cross. All we need to do is love – love God above all other gods and love our brother as ourselves. As we surrender to Love, to God, he will refine and purify us like precious silver and gold.
It is through love that the hearts of parents and children will be restored and turned towards one another. Love will heal any “curse” spoken in the family and the family will be healed for all generations – think Jacob and Levi here. Once this healing happens then the generations that follow will receive the blessings God intends for them – they will tend and care for the true Tabernacle – Jesus Christ.
What Can We Do Today?
Let’s start by forgiving those in our family. This will open the door to love. We are presented special opportunities during this Advent and Christmas season when our families gather together. I believe that together we can lay the foundation for a new generation that experiences the Lord’s Tabernacle as never before, yet, we must take the required steps so that this can happen. Let’s make these last few days of Advent extra special. I invite you to pray for those family members who cause heartache in your life, and don’t forget to pray for those who cause you joy too! Through prayer we can change the world and experience the fullness of the perfect Tabernacle that lives within each and every one of us.
Forgiveness Circle Meditation
If you are looking for a way to deepen your love for others through forgiveness I invite you to read a meditation on my website. Click here for the link: Forgiveness Circle Meditation.
I have found this meditation very helpful during those times when I desire forgiveness and healing in my heart – enjoy!
I hope you find your way home towards the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ – the one who is love himself. May you speak and think words of love, forgiveness and mercy as you sing and praise of God’s glory! – Carolyn
Sacred Heart of Jesus – have mercy on us.
Mother Mary – pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist – pray for us.
Today’s Readings Malachi 3:1-4,23-24, 6-8; Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Luke 1:57-66
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