Thought for the week of 3rd March 2024

The Jewish authorities came back at him with a question, “What miracle can you perform to show us that you have the right to do this?” Jesus answered, “Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it again.” But the temple Jesus was speaking about was his body.    John 2 : 18 – 19, 21

Readings this week :  Exodus 20 : 1 - 17; 1 Corinthians 1 : 18 - 25; John 2 : 13 – 22

Thought for this week

Part of the journey and meaning of Lent is to allow ourselves to be challenged in our thoughts, words and actions. In the Lord’s loving kindness He also disciplines and corrects us when we open our lives to Him. This can often be radical, and always brings deeper blessing and ultimately peace.

Our Gospel reading this week is of Jesus cleansing the Temple, driving out the money changers and sellers of animals offered for sacrifice. The issue was these people were making it hard for ordinary people to come in and worship. They were taking advantage of people coming for worship. Jesus’ anger is set against anyone who makes it difficult for others to know the Lord’s love.

While there I so much arrogance, greed and deceit in our world that needs overturning, it begins with us. With our churches, and even with our own individual lives as Christians.

What needs to be overturned in us? Our habits, thoughts, opinions? How can we use Lent to lay aside those behaviours and traits that we know have been hindering our discipleship and worship?

I imagine after Jesus’ actions there was a stunned silence. The clamour and chatter replaced with peace. Jesus offers us peace that only He can bring.

Rev Paul

A Prayer for this week

Jesus, cleanser of temples and souls, at this mid-point in the Lenten journey, look deep within our hearts and our lives, and clear away all that holds us back.

May our minds, spirits and bodies be a Temple that is open to Your presence: and may our words and our actions be transparent to Your love and truth.

We pray that our churches, will be purified in their life and mission, so that all that we do in and from here may reveal Your Gospel to others.

We come before You, In Your grace and mercy As we name those things for which we seek Your cleansing and healing, May be more faithful disciples.

~ written by Ann Siddall, and posted on the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre website

https://stillpointsa.org.au/