20-Nov-15

Gospel LK 19:45-48
Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out
those who were selling things, saying to them,
“It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer,
but you have made it a den of thieves.”
And every day he was teaching in the temple area.
The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death,
but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose
because all the people were hanging on his words.
Reflection:
Jesus was a student of scripture, and his actions were always based on the word of God.
In today's gospel he quotes both Isaiah and Jeremiah when he says, "My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.”
The vendors and priests in the temple were consumed with making money by charging outrages prices for sacrificial animals.
"Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out
those who were selling things.."
Enraged that Jesus was interfering with their money making, the chief priests, scribes and leaders made plans to kill him.
"Love of money is the root of all evil." 1 Timothy 6:10
Money, in and of itself, is not evil.
Money provides the means for us to provide for our families. The generosity of people who donate money has enabled My Brother's Keeper and scores of other charities to relieve the suffering of those who pray to God for help.
But, when it comes to money, caution is well advised because "love" of money can lead people far from the precepts of God, just as it did with "those who were selling things" in the temple.
Dear God, help me to be generous with my resources, but, like the people in the temple, let me also "hang" on the words of Jesus Christ.

"I asked you to ensure that humanity is served by wealth and not ruled by it." Pope Francis