First Reading: Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm: 19: 8, 9, 10, 11
Second Reading: 1 Cor 1:22-25
Gospel: John 2:13-25
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Lord you have the words of everlasting life.
In the first reading the Jewish people are given the commandments by God.
If we see the commandments as just rules and regulations, then we are not really understanding what they are about.
They come from a loving God, helping us to see how we can be truly healthy human beings.
A good doctor is able to give good advice as to how to eat healthily, drink properly, not to smoke, not to take harmful substances, to exercise properly, deal with stress properly etc. Not following this very good advice can lead to serious illness, even death .
Not following the commandments of God is detrimental to our spiritual health. It can also lead to spiritual death!
Indeed, God has the words of everlasting life!
In the gospel, Jesus is upset that something sacred was so abused, so commercialised!
Sacrifices in the temple were meant to be an expression of the offering of oneself. Healthy ritual is also very helpful and touches our heart in a holistic way as genuine spiritual expression .
Jesus, who came to renew all things, is calling people to worship in Spirit and Truth.
He not only brings renewal, He also reveals Resurrection.
Resurrection from the dead, but also from sin.
God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God ’s wisdom and God’s weakness stronger than human strength!
We are invited to keep trusting in faith the One who is God and knows what is best for us, much more than we can work out by ourselves!
