Jn 2:13–25 (or Jn 4:5-42)
As the Passover of the Jews was at hand, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple court he found merchants selling oxen, sheep and doves, and money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple court, together with the oxen and sheep. He knocked over the tables of the money-changers, scattering the coins, and ordered the people selling doves, “Take all this away, and stop making a marketplace of my Father’s house!”
His disciples recalled the words of Scripture: Zeal for your House devours me like fire.
The Jews then questioned Jesus, “Where are the miraculous signs which give you the right to do this?” And Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then replied, “The building of this temple has already taken forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?”
Actually, Jesus was referring to the temple of his body. Only when he had risen from the dead did his disciples remember these words; then they believed both the Scripture and the words Jesus had spoken.
Jesus stayed in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, and many believed in his name, when they saw the miraculous signs he performed. But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew all of them. He had no need of evidence about anyone, for he himself knew what there was in each one.
REFLECTION
READ: The first reading talks about the Ten Commandments, which invites us to purify our false notion that do not give proof of our love for God and for our neighbors. The second reading tells us about the misconception of the Jews and the Greeks on the crucified Messiah. The power and wisdom of God found in the crucified Christ surpasses humans’ advanced knowledge. The gospel conveys the purification of the temple where Jesus condemns confusion between religion and economic interests and announces the establishment of a new temple, referring to His body, understood to be the Church, we the pilgrim people. Like the old temple, we need to be purified from all that prevents us to offer acceptable sacrifices to God.
REFLECT: What are the false notions I have at present that sets me apart from becoming more loving as a person? Do I really obey God? If I have to purify myself, what is it that I would like to be cleansed with?
PRAY: Father, you saved us from our human frailties through Jesus. Fill us with the Spirit of your loving wisdom to see our sinfulness. Make us true stewards of the talents and abilities you gave us. Strengthen us when we are lured by the devil using the advanced technologies, and mold us to be responsible in using the social media and the internet. Amen.
ACT: Take time to assess yourself and be humble to accept your human weakness or sinfulness and go for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
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