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.” But the temple Jesus was speaking about was his body.

John 2 : 18 – 19, 21

Bible reading : John 2 : 13 - 22

Thought of the week

As we continue our journey through Lent we are confronted by our Gospel reading today of Jesus casting out the animals reserved for sacrifice, and overturning the tables of the money changers in the Temple. It is a dramatic scene. We might think it’s even uncharacteristic of Jesus.

The problem here is that the Temple authorities had invented a system for people to come and worship. They could only buy the animals provided. And they could only use the money they had invented. Ordinary, poorer people were being excluded from worship and the Temple authorities were getting richer in the process.

It is about worship. About the huge privilege of coming before our heavenly Father with our prayers and praises. About a relationship that is so precious and life – sustaining that every human being has the right to it. It is about discovering more and more of the Lord’s love amidst the ordinariness and messiness of our lives.

What do we need to free ourselves from this Lent in order to worship more fully? Can we discover a greater depth of worship, a deeper faith through a renewed relationship with the Lord? We only need to ask, and to receive.

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week - A prayer of blessing

May Jesus, who overturned the tables in the temple, bless us with the overturning of our lives that our sights may be set on him always.

May Jesus, who reminded people of the call to pray, teach us to pray.

May Jesus, whose desire was to do the Father’s will enable us, by the Spirit, to live God’s way.

And the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon us today and evermore. Amen.