John Desing csc –
Readings: Rev 11: 8-11; Lk 19: 45-48
A good Christian is not only one who is religious, pious, and submissive to the commandments, but also one who is like a prophet. Just as a prophet speaks courageously on behalf of God, we are also called to witness Christ’s values to the world in ways that are prophetic, just, true, and kingdom-oriented.
The prophetic act of Jesus in today’s gospel passage should enable us to have the image of Jesus both as a lion and as a lamb. At the same time, he confronts us with our apathy toward his message.
A good parent is one who disciplines their child out of love. One of the signs that we are in Christ and Christ is in us is that we become people of courage and truth. The word of God, which is so powerful like a double-edged sword, should empower us to be more charismatic, prophetic and not cultic.
The cleansing of the temple by Jesus reminds us that our souls, as temples of God’s spirit, need regular cleansing. We’ve got to identify the harmful and toxic elements that would destroy the temple of my soul and try to discard them all just as Jesus did. Jesus also assures us that if we hang on to his words, nothing can ruin this temple of ours.