Thoughts on the 3rd Sunday of Lent

Today, the Gospel reading confronts the hearers today with a profound image of Jesus performing an act that seems out of character for Jesus. The act might seem excessive, or even violent. Did Jesus, in fact, act out of violence in today’s reading? This is a depiction of Jesus that would seem to be at odds with the more peaceful images of Jesus as the Good Shepherd or of the loving Son of the Father who dies for the world for the forgiveness of sins.

To give a little background to the Gospel passage, the first reading is from the Book of Exodus (20: 1-17). The story tells of the giving of the Ten Commandments, which form the foundation of God's covenant with His people. Among these commandments is the injunction, "You shall not kill." This commandment reminds us of the sacredness of human life and the inherent dignity of every person. It calls us to reject violence in all its forms and to strive for peace and reconciliation in our relationships.

The Psalmist (Psalm 19), speaks of the beauty and perfection of God's law. "The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul," we are reminded. The Word of God is a source of life and light, guiding us on the path of righteousness. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the principles of love, mercy, and forgiveness that are at the heart of God's law.

In the passage from Paul's Letter to the Corinthians (1: 22-25), we are presented with the paradox of the cross. Paul speaks of Christ crucified as the power and wisdom of God, which stands in stark contrast to the wisdom of the world. The cross reveals to us the true nature of God's love—a love that is self-sacrificial and unconditional. It is a love that triumphs over sin and death, bringing redemption and reconciliation to all who believe.

Finally, in the Gospel reading to John (2: 12-25), we hear the story of Jesus cleansing the temple. Some may view this as an act of violence, but upon closer examination, we see that Jesus' actions are motivated by a deep reverence for the house of God and a righteous indignation at the desecration of the temple. Jesus' actions are not driven by anger or aggression, but rather by a desire to restore the holiness of God's dwelling place. Jesus' actions were always guided by love and compassion. While he may have overturned tables and driven out merchants, his ultimate goal was to call people to repentance and to draw them closer to God. May we follow in the footsteps of our Lord, seeking to build a world where violence is replaced by peace, where hatred is replaced by love, and where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

 

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