CLEANSING THE TEMPLE WITHIN

 “SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”

Daily Spiritual Reflections

19th November 2021

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FRIDAY, THIRTY THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

1 Mac 4: 36-37, 52-59; 1 Chr 29: 10-12; Lk 19: 45-48 

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CLEANSING THE TEMPLE WITHIN

Today’s readings speak of the cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple. In the first reading Judas and his brothers cleanse and solemnly rededicate the Temple to the Lord. And in the Gospel, Jesus drives out people doing all kinds of business in the temple, declaring “My house shall be a house of prayer”. While both readings present actual events of the cleansing of the temple, it can also be applied to our spiritual lives. 

We cannot deny the fact of the presence of evil in our world. Some form of that evil tendency or corruption can also touch and influence our lives, thus bringing about a measure of moral corruption in us. Such a kind of moral corruption led the people of Israel during the time of Judas and his brothers, to give up the true religion and defile the temple of Jerusalem. Judas and his brothers did not lose hope, but finally succeeded in ridding the Temple of all its defilements and rededicating it. 

Jesus too, cleanses the temple, all the while reminding the people of its true significance – a place of worship, a place to encounter God. This cleansing when applied to our spiritual lives, means letting go of all distorted affections, evil tendencies, and habits that are ‘enshrined’ within us. In his quest to attain happiness, man can sometimes fall into the temptation of using corrupt means. These wrong choices lead to bad habits, selfishness, and disordered affections which add to dissatisfaction. 

St Augustine realized that true happiness lies in God alone, since our hearts are made for God and find rest only in Him. When we allow God to enter our lives, he awakens in us the desire to rededicate ourselves to him, ridding us of all unwanted evil and filth that has seeped into our lives. Today, the readings invite us to accept that we are susceptible to evil tendencies and influences, so that we may be able to open ourselves to the outpouring of grace. 

Response: We praise your glorious name, O Lord.  

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