Important of entering into the Temple area of my life

Gospel Thoughts*

*Ordinary Season : 8th Week -  Friday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 11:11-26*

*First Reading - Sir 44:1, 9-13*

*Important of entering into the Temple area of my life*

*1) Jesus in Jerusalem and in the Temple area*

Jerusalem is identified with the Temple. The great temple of Jewish people stood in Jerusalem, which was the symbol of God's presence and also the identity of Jewish people 

As a pious Jew, Jesus also came to Jerusalem many times to visit it and also to pray 

Today's Gospel makes a special mention of Jesus coming to Jerusalem and entering into the temple area. 

This particular gesture of Jesus has a deep relevance to our life 

*2) What happened by entering into the temple*

On entering into the temple, Jesus could see all the things that were happening there. 

Even though it was a place of prayer, it was converted as a market place or a business center

People those who were buying and selling were present, money changers were busy and various types of animals for business were kept there 

The temple had become the centre of business and not of prayer

*3) Jesus cleanses the Temple*

On entering into the temple, Jesus becomes active to drive put all that is which goes against the temple sanctity and spirituality

He drives out all those people and things and cleanses the temple 

After that He affirms that Temple is a place of prayer, which should not be turned into a den of robbers

*4) Jerusalem and Temple area in my life*

My life itself can be considered as Jerusalem, where the Temple of my life is existing. 

St Paul says that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 6:19)

If so, our life has a special temple area, which is sacred and where God dwells. Such a place is nothing but our conscience

As Jesus visited the temple area, I need to visit very often this temple area, in order to see what is happening there

*5) Jesus in temple area. What about me?*

Since Jesus went into the temple area, He could see all those evil things, which were happening there. So it is very important to visit this area 

Unless I visit the temple area of my life, I will not be able to identity what is happening there. 

*6) Possible things could happen in the temple area of my life*

My conscience is my temple area. The following things could happen in this area 

-The pride may rule my life 

-Selfishness may take its root there 

-Anger, revenge, hatred, jealousy, pleasure, greed may start their business from there to destroy the sanctity of ones life 

Unless we drive out these things, they will rule our life, only to destroy the life

*7) Possible ways of entering into the Temple area*

-Examination of conscience

-Self evaluation

-Reflecting about ones own life, to see what is happening in life 

-Deep prayer and spiritual life

-Simplicity of life, moral way of life and living our life according to gospel standards

All these things will help us to enter into the temple area of my life and to cleanse, if there are any evil things in it

*If so am I ready to enter into the temple area of my life?*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*