Cleansing of the Temple

09 November 2010

Today’s Readings: Ez 47:1-2, 4-7 / 1 Cor 3:9 -11, 16-17 / Jn 2:13-22

REFLECTION
Jesus went to Jerusalem because the Passover was near and there he found in the temple people selling oxen, sheep and doves as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of chord and drove them all out of the temple area and overturned the tables of the money changers. His disciple recalled the words of scripture “Zeal for your house will consume me” Jesus showed his great love and respect for the temple. The temple is the house of God, a house of prayer and his Father’s house so he became very angry when it was made into a place of trade. He drives the sellers out of the temple to purify it. At this the Jews challenged him and asked him a sign for his action. Jesus answered them “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body, about his death and resurrection, through the blood of Jesus we have been cleansed and made as the temple of God. We are the temple of God and He can only dwell in us if we follow the example of Christ. Pride, greediness, lust, anger, envy and many other vices will profane the temple of God in us and drive us away from Him. Let us make our body a dwelling place of God by clothing ourselves with virtues such as humility, compassion, temperance, patience and many other acts of goodness that can make us a temple of God and be a living witness of his love.

PRAYER
Loving Jesus you have redeemed us at a great price, may we be worthy to become your temple and glorify you by modeling our lives to you and be a good example to others. Amen.