Yes, and He still IS. It is our belief Jesus is with us to this day in the Eucharist. Hence, all those 'gold robes' you have so much trouble with are, in our view, a way to honor Him. Indeed, when I hear Protestants such as yourself take this tack about all our 'opulent' buildings, I'm always reminded of the story about the pouring of the oil on Jesus' feet and the Apostle who snottily berated the woman, self-rightously declaring she could have 'sold the oil and given the proceeds to the poor.' If the sandal fits....