Luke 19:45-48
Then Jesus entered the Temple area and proceeded to drive
out those who were selling things, saying to them, "It is written, ´My
house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.´"
And every day he was teaching in the Temple area. The chief priests, the
scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to
death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the
people were hanging on his words.
* * *
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the Alpha and the
Omega. You have given me life and offer me eternal life with you. You deserve
my honor, gratitude and love, and yet you never impose yourself upon me. Thank
you for respecting my freedom so that I can offer myself to you. All that I
have is yours; I return it to you.
Petition: Lord
God, teach me greater reverence for your house.
1. Zeal for
the Father’s House: Jesus was not an enemy of commerce. In
fact, many times the Gospel makes references to buying and selling without any
negative connotations at all. However, in today’s Gospel passage we find Our
Lord irate for two principal reasons. First, business activity was taking place
within the Temple area. This was, in a sense, a “profanation” of God’s house.
The Temple of Jerusalem contained, veiled behind a massive curtain, the Holy of
Holies, where God’s mysterious presence dwelled. Yet, paradoxically, Temple
worshipers had first to cross what had the appearance of a marketplace to be
able to worship before the Lord. Second, Jesus was indignant due to the fact that
the temple merchants were dishonest. Am I always honest in my business
dealings? Do I always respect God’s name and the things of God?
2. Return
to Reverence: Jesus was on fire with zeal for the house
of his Father and determined that it be respected as a house of prayer.
Silence, worship and prayer are elements that should be an essential part of
every visit to a church, especially for Sunday Mass. In the tabernacle of every
Catholic Church, Our Lord is present in the Eucharist as a prisoner of love
waiting to enter into dialogue with us. We are never closer to heaven than when
we are before Our Eucharistic Lord. Yet we can forget this truth. Our postures,
chatter, and dress might contribute to a general “profanation” of God’s house.
Do I try to remember every time I enter a church that I am standing before my
Lord who made heaven and earth? Can others see that I believe Jesus is really
present in the Eucharist? Is he the center of my attention? Can I put aside all
distractions?
3. Hanging
on Jesus’ Words: The crowds are described as “hanging” on
Jesus’ every word. Jesus showed a reverence for his Father’s house far greater
than any external piety the Pharisees demonstrated. He spoke the truth and was
never afraid to stand up for it, even when it was less than convenient to do
so. He was unafraid of those who “were seeking to put him to death.” Jesus’
uprightness was the key to his effectiveness and the attractive power of his
words. As Christians we are called by vocation to imitate the uprightness of
Our Lord in our words and actions.
Conversation
with Christ
Lord, many times I have entered Church distractedly and forgotten that you
were present. I beg your forgiveness. I ask to be a zealous witness of your
love, and I promise to show you greater reverence in the Blessed Sacrament.
Resolution: I will live the
Mass this Sunday with a special reverence.