MARY, OUR MOTHER

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #106

Jesus answered and said to them: "Destroy this temple; and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then said: "Six and forty years was this temple in building; and wilt thou raise it up in three days?" But he spoke of the temple of his body. (John 2:19-21)

THE BODY OF CHRIST WAS THE LIVING TEMPLE OF GOD, because in Him dwelt the fullness of the Godhead; He being the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, with all power, wisdom and holiness. Our bodies, too, become the temples of the Holy Ghost by Baptism and Confirmation, because God the Holy Ghost dwells in us by His grace. "Know you not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? But if any man violate the temple of God, him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which you are" (I Cor. 3:16-17). This living temple of God is defiled by every mortal sin, especially by those against holy purity.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)