The need of overturning the black tables of our Life

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 2:13-25*

*First Reading - Ex 20:1-17*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 1:22-25*

*The need of overturning the black tables of our Life*

*1) Jesus overturned their tables*

In the process of cleansing the temple, one of the things Jesus does is that overturning the tables which were used for the business in the temple 

The moment one over tuns the tables, all the things which are found in the tables are split and they will be scattered all around. 

*2) Tables had lots of money in it*

As we read from the Gospel it is clear that, there was lot of money in the table 

All this money had been collected through the business which was carried on the temple area 

Since this money belongs to the business which was carried on the temple area it becomes a unholy money. So Jesus didn't want this type of business and money 

*3) Our Body is the temple of the Holy Spirit - needs cleansing*

St. Paul says that *Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit* 1 Cor 6:15

So it needs cleansing in order to keep its holiness and dignity 

The business mentality which we find in the Gospel is also very much seen in our lives 

At time this temple (Body) becomes the centre of Business 

So it needs cleansing 

*4) The process of over Turing the tables in our lives*

As Jesus over turned the tables which were used for the business we need to over turn certain tables in our lives in the process of cleansing 

Over turn the table of selfishness 

Over turn the table of greed 

Over turn the table of revenge 

Over turn the table of cheating

Over turn the table of lies, hatred, and authority

Over turn the tables of skills, talents, knowledge, courage which are used purely for making money and not used in any way to help other and to serve others 

*5) The result of overturning the Tables*

The moment one overturns the tables, all the things in it, are thrown out and the table becomes empty 

Like wise in our lives when we over turn the various above mentioned tables, they become empty and the process of cleaning starts 

Money collected in the temple area through the business becomes unholy, like wise the money got through the business of the Body (Temple of the Holy Spirit) becomes unholy, which needs to be thrown out. 

*6) Making a whip out of cords is very necessary in the process of cleansing the temple*

The first thing that Jesus did in cleansing the temple is that *He made a whip out of cords*

This whip was necessary to cleanse the temple 

Even in our life, whip is very much necessary to cleanse the temple

The whip made out of forgiveness

The whip made out of generosity, humility, sincerity, love, sacrifice,  will help on to cleanse the Temple

So we need the Whip which is prepared out of these things  (cords)

*7)  Am I Ready?* 

First of all am I ready to cleanse the Temple of my life? 

Secondly  am I ready to over turn the tables to cleanse the temple 

Thirdly am I ready to prepare a whip with various kingdom values to cleanse the temple

*8) Lent is the best time to cleanse the Temple*

The main purpose of lent is to cleanse the temple of our life 

If so, am I ready to use this special time to cleanse my temple of life?

*Think about that*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*