God’s love for us does not depend on how we present ourselves, morally or otherwise. In fact, the whole life of Jesus indicates that God does not attach conditions to his love. In this light, our emptiness is not a shortcoming, but a vessel that God can fill. Only with empty hands can we receive. Only where we acknowledge our neediness, and bring it before God, can he approach and touch us.

God does not dwell in an exalted temple, but on a dusty construction site in Nazareth.