Gospel Reflections for March 8 2015
Quite a scene in the Jerusalem Temple today! Jesus walks into the most important building in Judaism and overturns tables filled with cash. What’s going on?
The Jewish Temple was the center of religious life, where priests performed daily ceremonies, Rabbi’s offered learned discussions in the porticoes, and people prayed earnestly to God for whatever they needed. There were specific places for all these activities.
The people supported these events with various fees and taxes, but could not pay using Roman coins. They would exchange them at the entrance for Jewish coins. Of course, the money exchangers would charge a fee for the service; nothing wrong with that.
Business was good, and so the money exchangers expanded into other areas that were reserved for teaching and quiet prayer. They did not belong there and so Jesus forcefully removed them. Money talks; and losing money causes resentment. It was from that moment that the Temple leaders, who benefited from the fees, began to plot against Our Lord.
Lent is also a time for removing what does not belong in our life. If we “give some thing or behavior up for Lent” maybe it is worthy of dropping completely! Not a bad idea.
This last week, the Israeli Prime Minister affirmed that nuclear weapons do not belong in a terrorist state like Iran. Certainly, all the other Arab countries will then want one too. No one wants that! Everyone agrees with “No Nukes” for Iran, although there are strong differences of opinion about how to remove nuclear weapons technology.
This week we saw a new Arab coalition trying to remove ISIS from the Middle East. That is also a good thing but it will be a much longer battle.
The impulse behind all these efforts is a important assessment about what belongs and what does not, and to take the best steps to make things right.
We may not be able to guide events in the larger world, but we have a lot of say about what happens in “our world” that is our life at home, community, and work.
Lent is a great time to find out what no longer should be our behavior and, even better, what would be great behavior to include.
If Jesus were to “walk into the temple” that is our life, we hope He will feel right at home.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Image: Public domain work of art.
As always, a wonderful insight into how to apply the Gospel to our daily lives. Thanks, Father Dave.
You are welcome!
Wow!! Those are powerful words , ” If Jesus were to walk into” the temple that is our life”, we hope he would feel right at home!!!Love to make a most precious, beautiful ,faith filled home of LOVE for him!!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our Jesus!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our faith!!!!Love our life!!! Thank you for those precious words Father Dave!!!
Love, Franca and Dick
You are most welcome!
Fr. Dave,
I’ve always liked this passage because it establishes that it’s right at times to exert physical strength to clear out evil like ISIS. However, now when I hear it I’ll also be thinking about making sure he’s not upset when He walks into the temple of my life!
Thanks again!
Larry,
I know God will be very welcome in your temple!
I want to comment on the making money issue. Since lent the new prist at my favorite church (names being withheld ) said that inorder to make his quota of donations for other churches in the LA area he wants each of us to bring $100.00 to “donate”. Each week of lent we have heard this even being told to raise or hands if we are bring the cash! First it’s not a donation when you are being told or some feels bullied into it. Second the Catholic Church (Vatican ) has enough money to help themselves yet they don’t, third if the congration can not support their own church maybe the church should down size to be self sustaining. Fourth, my wife and I who where married at This church have both been told two weeks ago we are being laid off our jobs! Both of us at the same time because we work together.
Jesus didn’t like the money exchangers in the places used for prayer how would he feel about being at my church in a place to pray, being laid off and being put on the spot, embarrassed even a bit bullied into bringing $100.00 for churches where those people can’t afford it. When we can’t afford it.
Oh great University Series thus far!
Hello!
First of all, I am deeply saddened at the double lay-off in your family. For both of you to lose your jobs at the same time is a double burden that I am sure is a very difficult challenge to face. Please be assured of my prayers. I hope others who might see this message will be inspired to offer prayers on your behalf as well.
I am also sad to hear about the constant appeals for money in your parish. Those kinds of appeals never really work. Even if the money is collected, it leaves a bad feeling in the souls of parishioners and reinforces the old stereotype that the Church is only about money, as you indicate.
If people have not given so far, then I can only surmise that the rest have already chosen not to, for whatever reason. There is a very old guideline that states, “People do not give money to causes, they give money to people they like who have causes.” If they do not like the person who is asking, no amount of asking will work.
I am sure the constant asking for money in Church is especially galling with the news about both of your jobs. You must take care of your family first, so please do not worry about any requests for donations right now. Jesus even told his disciples that “if you are on your way to the Temple, and your cow falls into a ditch, do not go to the Temple but rescue your cow instead.” He said this because a cow was such an important resource for a family. He put caring for your family ahead of going to the Temple! Jesus was always so very practical.
Again please be assured of my prayers for your family, …and your parish!
thank you so much for your kind words and perspective on our situation.
You are most welcome.
Someone said to me once, “It’s all about money.” The person was referring to the most common motivation that we see, that of wanting power and “stuff.” We are motivated to try to get a good job so we can provide for out families and get the “stuff” that we want. But as you say, that is not a bad motive as long as it is kept in its place. It must not go into the tabernacle where we meet Christ.
So Christ took action concerning money (not only the money changers in the Temple, but also the “give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s but give unto God what is God’s.) So what I am seeing here is a mandate to be reasonable about money and the desire for “stuff.” Christ was not ashamed to be poor–He had to tell His apostles to get the Temple tax from their fishing. I think we should be joyful to have what we have and to give what we can give.
Well said! I think your comments are great. Reasonableness is a good check on goals and motives.
Fr. Dave
How do you think Jesus would have reacted to the ISIS situation today?
Was there a similiar occurence of a terrorist group during His time?
I think Jesus anger in the temple displayed His human side. There are times we have to get angry.
Thank you
YEs, there were terrorists in his time. They would try to terrorize the Romans into leaving. (It didn’t work) Yes, Jesus shows “righteous anger” which is emotion that is under control and pointed in a good direction. He was never out of control nor did he lose His temper. He channeled his emotion to a good cause.
Fr. Dave,
Once again, I found your Reflection insightful and relevant to current events. I noticed your distinction between priest and rabbii and their duties; does this practice continue presently, and what if any effect has this had on the priestly formation of our Catholic bishops and priests?
Thanks again for your catechesis.
Dio vi Benedica
In those days, a priest served in the Temple performing various duties, most of which was organizing the daily sacrifices. There were several thousand priests who took turns in shifts. Priests also had to be members of certain families. It was a hereditary position. Rabbis were anyone who was learned and wise in the religious traditions. Jesus was often called a Rabbi. They mainly stood in the temple areas or on street corners and gather people together for lectures and discussion. The two positions are combined in the office of Bishop. He celebrates the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and he is in charge of Catholic teaching in a diocese. One difference is that in the ancient time, there was no ceremony about becoming a Rabbi. If you knew a lot, people just started calling you Rabbi. Today, of course, a priest candidate must enter a seminary and be vetted for priesthood. Thanks for the question!
Great insight, Fr. Dave. If Jesus were to walk into the temple of my life…Certainly gives one something to think about this Lent!
Thank you!
I like the connection you make between the gospel and current events. I was upset about something that was said at our parish last week and found myself wondering, if I were an Egyptian Christian facing ISIS would I let myself be upset? It changes how you deal wirh things when you put them in a larger context.
Thanks for your comments. Christians in Egypt have much to be thankful for right now. The President of Egypt, Abdel Sisi, actually paid for the reconstruction of some Catholic Churches that were burned by Muslim radicals. He paid for them out of his own pocket too! He also attended Christmas midnight mass as a message of support. We need more Muslim leaders like him!
I did not know that! That is very heartening. I am offering up my Lent for those affected by ISIS, for the intercession of the new Egyptian martyrs, and the leaders of the nations involved.
BTW, can you give me the name of the archeological magazine you recommended at your talk? I didn’t write it down. Thanks!
Yes, the magazine is called BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL REVIEW. I hope you enjoy it!
It was great to see you at the University Fr. Dave. looking well and happy.
We enjoyed your talk and interesting tid-bits.
May my temple be a place where the Lord is always welcomed.
I am sure the Lord will be very welcome in your temple!