REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 23 NOVEMBER 2012

Gospel Lk 19:45-48

Theologically speaking, this passage has (like most scripture), many deep meanings. Jesus is not only chastising the sellers for blaspheming by using the sacred ground of worship (the temple) for their own gain, but also announcing the new temple. Jesus Christ our Savior.

Perhaps today, we can see religious men co-opting His new temple (the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ) for their own means. This might be done for monetary gain as those original temple sellers, but also could be for power and self-glorification. I think we have all met a Christian who has done that in our lives. One of them is writing this reflection.
So there are many lessons in a single act of Jesus. Honor your Lord and God alone; do not use your position as a member of the Christian Church to exploit others; money will not buy you God’s love; those that oppose Him will never prevail.

As you take this to your day, notice somewhere where this is happening in your life, and see how you might change that to align it with God’s will.

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 7 FEBRUARY 2012

It is critical to understand the difference between tradition that honors God and others that do not. The Pharisees had forgotten the importance of acting in God’s name instead of meaningless signs of their own piety. We all should watch for such pride, self-glorification and disrespect that separates us from our heavenly Father.