The tragedy of temple becoming a selling Center

Gospel Thoughts

32nd Week : Monday

GOSPEL Jn 2:13-22

First Reading - Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

*The tragedy of temple becoming a selling Center*

*1) Temple is the dwelling place of God*

As we understand, temple is a place where God dwells. It is the house of the Lord. 

Temple is to meet God and experience His power and blessings.

Temple is a place where we go to encounter God with the intention of making our life Holy. 

This is the real purpose of the Temple.

*2) The same temple becomes the centre of Selling* 

Jewish people and the temple authorities turned the same temple as a business centre. 

*He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there.*

The above expression shows the fate of the Holy Temple, which now became purely a business centre. 

*3) We are the temple of the Holy Spirit*

*Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?*

St Paul's these words tells us that we are and our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 

If so our life/body primarily a place where God dwells, where we can meet God, and where we can encounter and experience God, in order to make our life Holy and Blessed. 

*4) Has my Life/body turned into Business center?* 

When I do anything in my life only for the same of money it becomes a business centre. 

If I do a perticular thing only for profit then it is very clear that I turn my life as a business centre

There are people who sell these things only for the money and profit sake. Following are some of the examples

Some sell the knowledge

Some sell their intelligence

Some sell their beauty

Some sell their strength

Some sell their body 

Some sell their time 

Some sell their every little work 

Some charge for everything

Some charge for their little advice and guidance

*5) If I want I can make my Life/body as the temple of God*

When I give little service without any returns, people can experience the presence of God in my life 

When I forgive the other my life becomes a temple of God

When I speak good about others 

When support the other 

When I extend my helping hand to the needy 

When I show little concern to the others 

When I practice humility 

When I become a generous person 

When I see the pain of others and help them *My Life/body becomes the temple of The Holy Spirit*

So there are number of ways through which I can make my life/body the temple of God

Like wise there are also number of ways through which I can convert my life/body and a business centre. 

*Ultimately it depends on me*

*What is my Option?*

*Do I want to make my life a temple of the Holy Spirit?*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*