By Cathi Cackler-Veazey, World Church Diversity and Inclusion Team, co-chair

But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

The scripture in Hebrews 9:11–14 speaks of a Holy Place. Many religions in the world have holy places. Often these places are called thin places where the human and divine experience come together. Such places are sought out, sanctified, and usually have a history that makes it sacred.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the people would carry the Tabernacle with them as they lived their nomadic lives. When it was set up, they believed that God dwelt there. Later, when the tribes settled in more established locations, the Temple was built as a permanent place where God was encountered.

We in Community of Christ have such a place, the Independence Temple. Built on the site declared by our founder, Joseph Smith Jr., as the place where the Temple would be constructed someday, it would take more than a century and a half for that to happen. As a child I remember church members always looking forward to the construction of the Temple. It was discussed and dreamed about at nearly every gathering. So often I would hear “when we build the Temple” spoken with reverence. To me it sometimes seemed that we could not vision future goals for the church until that was accomplished.

In 1992, we finished the Independence Temple. As we opened and began to plan our goals for Temple Ministries, hundreds of members flocked to volunteer to fill the many roles that were created. I had the opportunity to lead the Temple Service Center by managing the recruitment, placement, and recognitions for those willing volunteers.

As time went by, our understanding of the Temple grew from a place of encounter to a calling and purpose. The church was able to vision our calling to be a people of peace and to explore our place in the world as sharing the peace of Jesus Christ. Although we cherish the Temple in the life of the church, we also have developed a sense of calling to take the message of Christ’s peace to the world. We embrace our identity that says, “We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love and peace.” We learned over time that each of us can find within ourselves that thin place where the human and divine experience come together no matter where we are.

Prayer Phrase

“For everything created by God is good” (1 Timothy 4:4).

Spiritual Practice

Joy of Gratitude

Stand, if possible, with arms outstretched. Imagine God filling your arms with all that you have: family, friends, and possessions. Hold out your arms until they feel tired. Now, bring your arms across your body. Place your hand over your heart and thank God for the abundance that fills your life. Sit for a time aware of that abundance. Then ask God to help you open your heart in gratitude and share freely with others.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.