Tuesday, March 15

Deuteronomy 9:4-12

Psalms 45, 47, 48

Hebrews 3:1-11

John 2:13-22

John 2:13-22

Two things struck me about this passage; He was angry. That is never easy to swallow. My gentle Jesus so mad at the vendors, tearing through the makeshift market with a hand-made whip, knocking over tables, yelling, "Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" Although the monies were for "temple upkeep," with thousands of visitors to the temple for the Passover, it was just too much of a temptation to make money, right? Just like any big event today; the Olympic Games, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a Texans, Rockets or Astros game etc., it is too much not too expect vendors to do their best to make lots of money. But this was God's House, a place of worship and the people who came to do just that, could not, because of the circus it had become. Dishonesty and greed were rife, no wonder Jesus was angry. He was right to be angry over the injustice and sin taking place in the temple. And when the Jews asked for a sign, I love the way Jesus describes his coming resurrection; "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." They did not understand he was speaking of his body, the disciples did! And the fulfilling of this prediction was proof that He was indeed sent by God. I know next time I remind my seven-year-old son, Liam, to be more quiet and respectful in God's House, I will remember this passage. I hope you will too. God's House is for Worship.

Gracious and loving God, I pray that during this Lenten season, the people of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church will find quiet and peace in Your House and they will be reminded of the sacrifice and resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ, and know that You are with us. Amen.

Julieanne Mani