Gospel Reflections for November 9 2014
The first reading has a compelling image of a massive flood of water pouring out in all directions from the Temple in Jerusalem. This is good news? When I see anything like that I call a plumber, but here the image is a positive metaphor for God’s abundantly flowing grace.
Unlike the plumbing problem of a homeowner, when this grace flows we never want it to stop!
In the Gospel, Jesus is walking near this same Temple in Jerusalem, but He sees people there who actually are stopping that life-giving flow of Grace. The money changers have expanded their normal area of commerce and moved into areas of the temple that are normally reserved for prayer and quiet contemplation. They are in the wrong place, and re-defining what that Temple area is for. Jesus sees that they are offering the wrong message and quite strongly removes them in a dramatic display of His own divine authority. He will not tolerate a contradictory message about such an important place, and is certainly not shy about doing so.
Cardinal Muller, the Vatican’s chief theologian, was recently here at Notre Dame University for a conference on global poverty. While here, he spoke briefly about the Synod on the Family, the yearlong discernment process that Pope Francis began that will conclude next October. He very beautifully affirmed what families are, and what marriage is as well. He certainly recognizes there are contradictory messages in the world today that offer a redefinition of marriage and family from what is normally known. He also recognizes that perhaps the Church has not done the best job of presenting God’s view of family and marriage. He specifically asked Notre Dame to help in making that message clearer, and easier to understand just why marriage and family are so good.
In Mid-November, Notre Dame will join with the Vatican for an inter-religious conference to continue this discussion on the family, and how to understand and communicate its importance for good mental, emotional, and spiritual health for people everywhere, especially children. I will report on it from there in these pages.
Marriage and the family, when well understood, can be a source of abundant grace that flows every day all year round. We would never want to do anything to stop that!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you Father! We sure missed you on Thursday’s Bible Study. We have lots of questions, especially about “turning the other cheek”, with examples of Tutu and Mother Theresa, both being very passive people. Also, one lady in our group, a convert, said how do we turn the other cheek to the terrorists like the Issis, since they are also children of God. We look forward to having you back here with us to answer our questions, and to hear about your wonderful trip. God bless you!
Hello! Actually, the Gospel about “turning the other cheek” is one of my favorite Gospels. I will be back from Rome on November 23rd, and at the next Bible Study after that. Ciao! Fr. Dave
Fr. Dave,
You may have heard in the last couple of days that the U.S. Supreme Court will finally be weighing in on the definition of marriage as a result of a district court favorable ruling. Let’s hope and pray that our majority Catholic jurists will support and defend our Faith teachings in this matter – the Synods timing may be crucial towards this end…. Thanks for your reflections, I find it helpful as a lector at tonight’s mass.
I am confident that the decision will be favorable for us this time. The fact that they took this new case came as a total surprise to the other side. They never expected it, thinking that the Court will go along with the other judges who have ruled in favor of same sex marriage. The fact that this case was taken up is really good news! Stay tuned. Fr. Dave
Fr. Dave,
Once again – the situation where I’ve been hearing a gospel over the years but apparantly never understood it and didn’t even know that. In fact, I just went to mass, heard this gospel and listened to the homily which didn’t help my understanding. For instance, I didn’t know that the water was “God’s abundantly flowing grace” until you pointed it out. So, once again…thanks!
YEs, when the waters of God’s grace flow, never call the plumber, open the flow even more!
Thank you for another wonderful message! God’s flowing grace is for always and everywhere we are!
It’s good to notice when we may feel out of alignment with God’s grace as a signal to change something about where we are or how we are being.
Well said!
Your reflection showed me a deeper understanding of what Jesus was doing at the temple. This gospel has been perplexing for me beforehand since it conflicts so dramatically with the image I have of Jesus.
Thanks Fr. Dave.
Thank you Georgette! YEs, the Gospel shows the determined side of Jesus when He is facing corruption and disrespect for prayer.
Thanks Fr. Dave for making this reading more understanding. I always thought that if what the people was wrong, the priest would have removed them from the temple altogether.
Hello! Thanks for writing. The money changers were actually required because orthodox Jewish people were not supposed to bring Greco-Roman coins into the temple area, so they had to be exchanged for kosher temple coins. Obviously, a sizable profit could be made in that exchange business, so more and more people got involved, leading to their expansion into areas they were not supposed to be. Jesus directly attacked a major source of funding for the Jewish Temple authorities. The Gospels indicate this was what started the immediate campaign to have Him arrested and put to death. Thought you might like a little more of the “Back story” to the this Gospel. God bless! Fr. Dave
LOVE that photo – reminds me of Iguassu Falls – great imagery! EVERY flowing LOVE and GRACE.
re Pope Francis trying to better clarify the definition of family and marriage – I’m very puzzled and concerned about his “demoting” Cardinal Burke for his outspoken statements against gay marriage and abortion. I wonder why they just didn’t sit down to discuss any misconceptions that may exist instead of taking such a reactive and unilateral action against the Cardinal. ???
I’m wonder just how “left” our Pope really is?? (and I’m a big fan of his – but now am “wondering’).
Hello! The debate with Cardinal Burke has been going on for several years. It is not something that just happened. The only thing that is different is that the Pope has indicated that the debate can be public in that the different Cardinals are stating their opinions in books and articles.
I don’t think there is much disagreement on families or marriage, but there is in tone. Cardinal Burke and I think the Pope wants a more pastoral approach that people around the world can understand more easily rather than a legalistic one that comes from a canon law style. For example, the annulment process, which is governed by Canon Law is very difficult for people to understand, and is a long a ponderous process. Most of the Cardinals want to make that process more spiritual instead, rather than a process that looks a lot like “Catholic divorce.” Hope that helps!
Hello Fr Dave…
Just returned from Eastern Europe with family in tow. I was amazed at the wonderful old churches, Cathedrals, really, but was dismayed when told the people in Prague no longer use them. Perhaps due to persecution over many years.
Miss your wonderful homilies at St Paschals… There was a very articulate speaker, a priest from Culver City,
who spoke very passionately about Jesus acceptance of all- including gays, sinners, as we all are, and his total love for all faiths no matter what they call God…Very much in line, I thought with Pope Francis…His sermon was so moving that the congregation applauded afterwords.
Another fascinating topic came up about Purgatory. Does it exist? Surprisingly, 86% of Catholics do not think so. I have not heard it discussed much in church since I was a child. Seems like our only hope for heaven.
Thank you for enduring my ramblings. Glad to be included on the e-mails.
Carol
I will have a longer article just on the Synod coming soon. Stay tuned! Fr. Dave
Hello! I am glad to say that Purgatory is still around. I am sure I will need it!
The visual of the waterfall in relation to the showering of God’s Grace is beautiful, Fr. Dave. He never leaves us on our own but gives us all the helps necessary to live in union with Him.
The money changers were so full of devious practices that their world became a den of thieves.
I like what Pope Francis has to say about broken marriages.”We cant leave them on the battlefield” We must
welcome them and offer them healing, comfort and encouragement. As a result many have grown hostile
to the church because of our neglect.
YEs, you have expressed the same ideas well. Thanks for writing. God bless! Fr. Dave
Jesus Cleansing the Temple is a very meaningful gospel reading. Jesus displays the very human emotion of anger. He openly shows his disregard with a holy place of worship corrupted by the trade of sacrificial animals and money changing. Jesus thought the priests were abusing their sacred role by participating in business. They were exploiting people, especially the poor. It is understandable why Jesus was angry. This still happens today in some churches. Anger puts the spotlight on a wrong or an injustice and can create positive change. God’s Blessings and safe travels ! Cathy Culley