‘Back in 2000 I went to the Passion Play at Oberammergau. I don’t speak German but the story is familiar and dramatic. When Jesus knocks over the cages in the Temple courtyard, doves flew off into the sky, sheep and coins scatter and the crowd scramble after them – a story we remember in Holy Week which increases the priests’ opposition to Jesus. The story shows Jesus is not ‘gentle, meek and mild,’ he gets angry, with righteous indignation, at hypocrisy, complacency and wrongdoing, at people keeping others from God. His wrath comes from his compassion and love.

Jesus calls his followers to share his anger at wrong doing, whatever its form. To feel compassion for those impacted by the greed and exploitation of others. To take what action we can to end injustice…in how we vote and shop, how we support initiatives and campaigns to improve life for others, how we pray and seek to love our neighbour as ourselves.

The prophet Micah sums up true religion: ‘What is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God?’.

The prophet Hosea: tells us ‘I (God) desire steadfast love and not sacrifice. The knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings’...

words to reflect on in Holy Week and always.

with love and prayers

Jenny