3rd Sunday of Lent – Cleansing of the Temple (Jn 2:13-25)

The Purpose of Temple / Church

Introduction

- Every place has a purpose. For example, park – a place to rest and relax, school – a place to learn, theater – a place to express the art forms.

- What is the purpose of a temple / church? Today’s gospel gives us a clear answer.

- Jesus cleansed the temple and gave us a model that we, the disciple, also should reflect on how we make use of the temple / church.

- The temple / church can be the building or myself. ‘We are the temples of the Holy Spirit’ (1 Cor 6:19).

Body

- The temple / Church is meant for three ‘Rs’- Relationship, Reliance, Reconciliation.

o Relationship

§ When we come in the presence of God in the church we grow into the deeper conviction that God is our Father and those who are with us our brothers and sisters.

§ It is the time to put right our relationship with God and neighbor.

§ It reminds us our duty to adore and praise God, and love our brethren.

o Reliance

§ In the church we feel that we are not alone in our life journey. We are with Jesus, our strong hold.

§ In agony, tensions and worries when we visit the church we get relief and strength.

§ It is a call to grow in the conviction that ‘the powerful God is with me’.

o Reconciliation

§ Mt 5:23 – ‘Therefore if you are offering a gift at the alter and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift’.

§ Church is a place to decide for reconciliation. It is the place to begin the process of forgiveness. It is the place to forgive those who have harmed me.

Conclusion

- Lent is a season when we have to think of our participation in the liturgies in the church. Let all the prayers of us may guide us to ‘relationship’, ‘reliance’, and ‘reconciliation’.

- It is also a time to think about our body ‘the temple of the Holy Spirit’. Our body is to used for glory of God. Or else we may be misusing this temple.

- Let this lent be a time to correct ourselves and grow towards the divine.