Gospel Thoughts
33rd Week : Friday
GOSPEL Lk 19:45-48
First Reading - Rv 10:8-11
*Temple is a Holy Place of Teaching and Learning, and not meant for Business*
*And every day he was teaching in the temple area.*
*1) Jesus was teaching everyday in the temple area*
One of the important tasks of Jesus' ministry was teaching. He taught everyday and to all sorts of people.
It is very important to note that Jesus uses the temple area to teach to the people.
*2) Why Jesus used the Temple area?*
There are many reasons why Jesus used this area. Some of them may be following:
It was a place where many people used to gather every time.
Temple is one of the important places where people gathered everyday for the spiritual activities. So it was easy for Jesus to meet people
People came to the temple also to learn many things from their religious leaders. So people were already prepared for listening.
Since temple was a Holy Place it was easy for Jesus to teach in the temple about the Holy things.
*3) Jesus shows that temple is meant for teaching and learning*
What did Jesus teach in the temple?
He taught how to pray
He taught how to meditate on the word of God
He taught how to forgive
He taught how to serve others
He taught how to love God and the neighbour
He taught how to live a virtuous life
He taught how to live a simple and holy life
He taught how to face the challenges of life
He taught how to console people
He taught how to get reconciled with God and others
He taught how to remain humble to the practice the virtue of humility
He taught how to carry the cross
He taught how to follow Him
He taught all the Kingdom values
*4) Temple also a place of learning*
The very fact that Jesus taught many things in the Temple, it is clear that the purpose of teaching is that we many learn good things and lead a good and holy life
So temple is a holy place meant for leaning many good and holy things in order to live a good life.
Our aim of life is to lead a good life. But unless we know what is good and what is bad we can not practice good things. So temple is a place where we learn what is good and we become aware what are bad and evil things, which helps us to avoid the bad things
Unless we learn, no changes will take place in life. Learning is necessary to dispel the darkness of ignorance. So let's use the holy Temple to learn good and holy things
*5) Scribes Pharisees used the temple area for learning business and doing business*
This is one of the reasons why Jesus chased away those people who were doing business.
They had forgotten the real purpose of the temple and they used it for their selfish purpose, that is to do business
Never to use the temple for business and making money, because it is a house of God and house of prayer.
*6) We are taught from the childhood in our temples*
All of us begin our faith journey from the temple.
Practically everyday we have been taught in our temples various things through various spiritual activities
The amount of input we get to learn many things marvelous
But what is the outcome? We need to reflect about the same
*7) Do I go to the temple to learn holy things or for business?*
Two things are possible
Either I may go to the temple to learn many good things, holy things and to live a holy life
Or I may use the temple area to my hidden selfish motives, which may include business interest, to exhibit my self, to show off my power and influence, to achieve my vested interest.
Finally it depends in me.
So what do I do in the temple area?
Better to think about it.
Right learning from the temple area will make our life holy and blessed.
*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*
*Fr Maxim Dsouza*
*Jeppu Seminary*
*Mangalore*
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