Lenten Reflections: Week 3

Hi everyone! I hope your lent sacrifices have been holding strong. Week 3 sees a very different side of Jesus. Read on to find out more. =)

Word – John 2: 13-25

It was almost time for the Passover Festival, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. There in the Temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and pigeons, and also the moneychangers sitting at their tables. So he made a whip from cords and drove all the animals out of the Temple, both the sheep and the cattle; he overturned the tables of the moneychangers and scattered their coins; and he ordered those who sold the pigeons, "Take them out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" His disciples remembered that the scripture says, "My devotion to your house, O God, burns in me like a fire."
The Jewish authorities came back at him with a question, "What miracle can you perform to show us that you have the right to do this?"
Jesus answered, "Tear down this Temple, and in three days I will build it again."
"Are you going to build it again in three days?" they asked him. "It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple!"
But the Temple Jesus was speaking about was his body. So when he was raised from death, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and what Jesus had said.
While Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in him as they saw the miracles he performed. But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew them all. There was no need for anyone to tell him about them, because he himself knew what was in their hearts.

Drawing from life experiences

And the Lord said, "GO!"
And I said, "Who me?"
And He said, "Yes you."
And I said, "But I'm not ready yet. I'm so busy. You know how tight my schedule is."
And He said, "You're stalling."

Again the Lord said, "GO!" 
And I said, "But I don't want to."
And He said, " I didn't ask if you wanted to."
And I said, "But I'm not the right person for this. I don't like to get involved in controversy. My family and friends won't like it."
And He said, "That's ridiculous!"

And yet a third time the Lord said, "GO!"
And I said, "Do I really have to?"
And He said, " Do you love Me?"
And I said, "But I'm scared. What if people hate me? I can't take it all by myself."
And He said, "Where do you think I'll be?"
And the Lord said, "GO!"
And I sighed, "Here I am, Lord...send me."
-Anonymous

It is interesting and comforting to read in the Bible that those whom God called did not always immediately say, "Yes" but sometimes hesitated a great deal before finally answering God's call. Moses is but one example of a person who repeatedly objected to God's call. Moses knew that it would be difficult to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and away from slavery. He hesitated many times when called by God. Eventually, however, he surrendered himself to God who knows what is best. Just as in Moses' "yes" we find that even today every one of God's promises to us contains the opportunity for another "yes" (2 Corinthians I :20). God has a promise and a calling for each of us. It is up to us to seek God's guidance to discover that call. Yet regardless of what our call might be, God has promised to be present with us always. 
Some are called to be a missionary, pastor, teacher, local leader, or businessperson. Others are called to be a wife, husband, parent, etc. As in the call of Moses, God's call to you is specific and task-oriented and God is calling you by name. Your response to that call shows your willingness to be faithful to God. 

Meeting God in the Word 

Once we are open to hearing the call of God, what is next? We must act! In today's gospel we hear the unforgettable story of Jesus cleansing the temple. It stands out so vividly, of course, because we see a side of Jesus rarely depicted in Scriptures. In general, Jesus is depicted as gentle and non-violent. However, in John's Gospel, Jesus is portrayed with whip in hand, overturning tables, and acting in a manner that seems out of character. 
What is Jesus so angry about? Through biblical scholars we have learned that merchants were notorious for charging inflated exchange rates, taking advantage of the poor who were helpless to protest. What outraged Jesus particularly was that this exploitation was occurring in a sacred place, in the temple where, according to Jewish law, one would expect the highest regard for the poor. Simply put, he was protesting against injustice. Reminiscent of what Jesus did in cleansing the temple, we, as modern day disciples, must cleanse ourselves of attitudes and behaviors that prevent us from seeing and responding to injustice wherever we encounter it. One person can make a difference. And every person must try. 

Questions to Ponder

What do we believe God is calling us to do in our lives? Have we placed obstacles in the way of God's plan for us? Can we name these obstacles? 

Cell Group Prayer Buddy Activity

Follow up with your prayer buddy on your experiences in opening up to God in prayer. Was it easy to do so? How do you usually pray? Were these times when you could hear God's response?

Cell Group Work

Jesus displays anger at the way in which people have used his "Father's house" for their own selfish ends. How do you respond, when you perceive injustice around you? 
Jesus himself did not have faith in the many people who crowded around because of the signs he performed. How will YOU practice having a faithful heart as Lent continues?

Gracious God, You have called us to love and follow You. Help us to use the gifts You have given us in order to better serve You. All: Grant us an open heart and a "listening" ear, in Jesus' name, we pray. Amen