Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.”
As we approach the end of the liturgical year we hear from the Book of Revelation and gospel accounts of Jesus' prophetic witness in Jerusalem leading up to his arrest and crucifixion. Two different stories converge: first, the Judgement Day witnessed by the entire universe; and then, an otherwise unnoticed incident in Jerusalem.
The apocalypse is coming but it will be revealed in a most unexpected form. Rather than a final gathering of all the nations, delivering the wicked into everlasting punishment, terrible judgement falls upon a single man: Jesus. Jewish and Gentile nations condemn him to death. And then, rather than the Faithful People delivered into everlasting bliss, the slain man rises from the dead and is revealed as God.
We ponder the meaning of this unexpected end.
The synoptic gospels suggest that his one-man-riot in the temple triggered the event, but his enemies had been amassing a dossier against him for a very long time. If his purifying the temple wasn't a capital offense, it was the thunderclap that triggered a long-pending avalanche of furious, unbridled resentment.
Several years later, in the light of his resurrection, the evangelists saw and understood. Jesus' assault on the temple should have alarmed everyone who awaited the redemption of Jerusalem, all those devout people who heard the story told by Simeon and Anna when the Baby was presented in the temple. That prophecy had been silent for many years should have felt like punishment, but this incident must be terrifying, like a hurricane that signals global climate change and a threat to the human race. Ignore it at your peril.
...when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
The Christian understands the crucifixion of Jesus. If anything, the killing of God by this world's legitimate authorities is more painful, stunning and terrifying than the final collapse of life on Earth. The mob that called for his killing, the officials who plotted it and the soldiers who executed it represent the decision of the entire human race. But only the quaking earth and darkened sun fully appreciate what it means. His disciples might have known what it meant but they had fled into hiding, in fear for their lives. They were trembling so hard they might not have felt the tremor that shocked the Earth!
Faith allows us to see, hear and experience what others cannot imagine. If they've heard the story they cannot fathom its importance. We tremble as we hear that Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things. Now it begins. We pray that we are among those who are not deceived but survive till the end.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.