An Intense Moment at the Temple

So this is where spring cleaning got its start! I knew little pieces of the passover story but had never heard the whole thing put into context before so that was something new for me that I got from this chapter.

I, too, get very discouraged around Christmas time with the whole "I want this" and "I want that" concept. I think that's why I'm so excited about celebrating Lent this year because it is one of the two most major events for Christians and THIS ONE doesn't revolve entirely around commercialism. (Plus, how bad can a holiday be when the only thing stores ask you to buy is lots and lots of candy???)

On a more serious side...

I love that it was Jesus that finally stood up and said "no more!" I have often wondered how even the most spiritual of people can stand up to constantly being lavished with nice robes, gold inlay art pieces and papal-type surroundings. How could you not come to love that? How easy would it be for a holy man to be elevated to that status and then give it all up? It's like you or I winning the lottery and then running out of money. It would be a mighty big thug for anyone when they hit the dirt ground again.

But Jesus knew - He knew that they were bringing sin and filth into His Father's house and He saw it for what it was. He could easily have joined the many priests and holy officials and demanded His share of the goods and luxuries but He, being a man of sandals and sleeping under the stars, really never saw the need for luxury. He knew what it takes most of us our entire lifetimes to learn...that a simple life is more fulfilling, more rewarding and more "full."

I especially loved the closing prayer in this chapter.

"Come, Lord Jesus. Come to the temple of my heart. Overturn the tables. Drive out the moneychangers. And do what you have to do to make it a place of prayer..."

Amen. Bring it on.