"If these walls could talk" is the phrase that comes to mind when I reflect on the Ascension and I wonder what the city of Bethany would say if it could verbally express its reaction to housing the last print of Christ’s sacred foot upon this earth. Would it sing over such honors, making all the other cities wonder at the source of its joy?

In a way, however, these walls can talk, sing, and rejoice because we now serve as houses of Jesus. We do this as baptized and confirmed receivers of the Eucharist. I am sometimes amazed at my shameful thoughts, words, and actions, as someone whose body serves as a living tabernacle. I know that by making me a temple of the Holy Spirit, God has enabled me to allow only love and joy to permeate who I am, but I frequently act purely out of resentment and despair.

Even though outside circumstances often tempt us to inadequately live the Good News of the Gospel, we are empowered by the Spirit within us to choose and model love in the midst of so much hatred. Where do we, as temples of the Holy Spirit, look for the strength to do this? Within our own walls.