In this week’s gospel, the disciples are awed at the size of the Temple. It reminds me of moving to Boston from small-town Michigan and being surrounded by skyscrapers. The size inspires awe. So does the thought of how they were built.

Jesus isn’t awed by it. Or, at least, he isn’t moved to be distracted by it. Or perhaps, more importantly, seduced by what “large” represents: imperviousness.

We are smart enough to know that big isn’t better. But do often mistake it for power, influence, and permanence. So we believe a big church will always be there.

The awe that large church buildings inspire is good. They provide hope and witness to a community that needs both. But they cannot maintain themselves. Nor do they do all of the work for the church. Because its life is linked to the life of its people.