“Zeal for thy house will consume me.”

by Sr Mary Felix

Reflection for the third Sunday of Lent   Year B  John 2: 13 – 16 

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.  In the Temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business.   And making a whip of cords he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the Temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.  And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; you shall not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”  His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for thy house will consume me.’

Perhaps we need to ponder and then ask ourselves and others, what Jesus’ words really meant to Him – and to us, both as a community and as individuals?  They are really strong words – forceful words, which invite us to look deeper into our lives while imploring God’s help and mercy in seeking what – and where – His house is, in today’s contemporary world.

Continue to be with us Lord, this Lent, living in Your presence, with Your zeal for Your Father’s glory among Your people.