Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Jun Pateno SVD – New Jersey, USA
Friday 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
This passage from Isaiah (56:7) which Jesus is quoting is worthy of reflection: “my House is a house of prayer…” This Christmas, celebrating the first Simbang Gabi at St. Justin’s church in Toms River in New Jersey, I witnessed the prayerful atmosphere of the Filipino community. It inspired me to consider that every house of God should always be a house of prayer.
In the gospel, the gesture of Jesus at the temple clearly manifests his important mission as a prophet. He speaks as a messenger of God, standing as witness to truth, love, and justice. Here, Jesus demands that the temple be purified from all negativity and brought back to its original function of rendering authentic service to God.
In this cleansing, Jesus is consistent with his teachings in Galilee and on the way to Jerusalem. In fact, it serves as the final “salvo” of his whole ministry dedicated to defending in word and action the true values of the Kingdom.
Today we are mandated to remember always the very purpose of the church. Having claimed that we are the church of God, we are called on to continue that mission of witnessing for which we might win support and admiration or hostility as well. But let us not be worried. Our only concern must be to speak always the truth in love.
It is always good to remember the Lord’s purpose for what He creates. Whether it’s the temple or the church or the family or life itself, we should follow God’s design and seek to honor Him. Any attempt at not following His design for selfish purposes will draw us away from his goodness and generosity. We believe that God’s truth, love and justice will always prevail in the end.
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