Friday November 24th: The need for cleansing.

We must see Jesus’ action as a call to repentance.

Luke 19: 45 – 48

Today’s events in the gospel passage is traditionally called the ‘Cleansing of the Temple’. Jesus followed the prophetic tradition when he cleansed the Temple. The prophets frequently used symbolic actions to make a point or to convey a message. On this occasion, by driving out those who were selling, Jesus showed that the religious practices of the Temple had strayed from what was originally intended.

Jesus denounced the corruption in religion. Those who were trading in the name of religion exploited worshippers, especially the poor, and corrupted religious activities. God’s house was meant to be a house of prayer for all, but they have turned it into a robbers’ den.

This is also a personal call. St. Paul teaches that we are the temples of the Holy Spirit. We must see Jesus’ action as a call to repentance. We too must cleanse ourselves of corrupt and corrupting practices. We must examine our actions, behaviour and attitude to ensure that we are sincere and at rights with God.