Ezekiel's vision is overwhelming. He has seen the glory and power of God fill the temple. But is this a hopeless dream? The Temple has been destroyed, and Ezekiel is in exile in Babylon with his fellow Israelites. He consoles and encourages his fellow exiles with a vision of the future in which God once again dwells in His holy house and blesses His people and their nation. Even in the midst of difficult situations and disaster, it is important to allow a hope in God's future to give us the power to continue.

By the time the Gospel was written, the Temple had been destroyed a second time. Now the glory of the Lord resides in the new Temple that is the Christian community. But this dwelling must be worthy of God. Good and holy things are often misused to exalt the ego and lord it over others. We know that Matthew exaggerated his charges against the Pharisees, for they were no worse than what we can find in our own church. But Matthew exhorts his flock to live as a community of equals who are taught directly by God. Renouncing outward show and competition is vital, as is relating to one another with honesty and humility. Only then can God truly dwell in their midst. We are challenged daily to deal humbly, honestly, and justly with others, and to let the love that we show to others be our primary religious symbol.