In today's Gospel, we see Jesus disrupting the temple. Those of us who have listened to this story many times may become desensitized to its impact, which is unfortunate. Let's take a moment to remember our first impressions and understanding of what happened there. Were we not shocked? Did we not wonder what He truly meant by His actions? The image of Jesus overturning tables and driving people out can be quite uncomfortable, and it should be. Christianity is not about God who came to make us comfortable in our routines.
In cleansing the temple, Jesus opened the eyes of those present, as well as our own, to the New Covenant. He proclaimed the emergence of the new temple, the temple of His body, which He declared He would resurrect in three days. He called upon His followers to engage in authentic worship in spirit and truth. As the people of God came to the temple, they increasingly lost sight of its nature as the house of the Living God. Gradually and unintentionally, they transformed it into a venue for business transactions, formalities, and, at times, oppression. Jesus was not changing the old order, but He sought to restore it to its intended purpose: to turn one's heart toward God, approaching Him with humility and reverence.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, our Mother Church, we are reminded that we are the Body of Christ, God's building. We must never forget our call to holiness. If our lives feel like they are undergoing significant disturbances, we should ask ourselves if we have forgotten our identity. Is Christ intervening to bring us back to order and to true worship? Is He reminding us of who He is and who we are? Let us not wait passively on what may happen, let us invite Jesus to come and overturn our tables. It's important to remember that when He does this, He is not against us – He is always on our side. We need to keep our eyes on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whose imperfect prototype was the temple in Jerusalem. In that sacred new temple, the Father receives undisturbed worship at all times. There, we can find true order and learn how to offer perfect praise.
Heart of Jesus, the Tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy on us!
