Temple for Jesus – John 2:13-22 Reflection
Today’s Gospel reading reminds us that we are each a unique spiritual temple for Jesus. We are responsible for doing our part to keep our temple free from vices and disruptions to holiness. In this way, there is less in the way of allowing His influence to guide our journey. For most of us, the holiness of our temple is not built overnight but takes a lifetime to accumulate. Undoubtedly, it is not easy to continually work towards the sacredness of our temple in our journeys. It helps us recognize the effect of Jesus within our tabernacles by remembering our actions and prayers for others. Other signs are that our worldly desires are minimized and that we cooperate with God without hesitation.
The Merchants Chased from the Temple by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
John 2:13-22 – Scripture*
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
13 The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15 Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 2:13-22 Reflection – Temple for Jesus.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 2 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Temple for Jesus
Page and discussion group on Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.