The purpose of going to the Temple and approaching God

Gospel Thoughts

*Advent Season : C Cycle  3rd Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 21:23-27*

*First Reading - Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a*

*The purpose of going to the Temple and approaching God*

*1) The approach of Chief priest and elders*

As Jesus was present in the temple, the Chief priest and the elders, approached Jesus to enquire about His authority. 

In fact Jesus was teaching in the temple as the one who had absolute authority. 

The Chief priest and elders had the knowledge of Jesus' authority and power. Even then they were not ready to accept the power and authority of Jesus. 

Their purpose of asking the authority of Jesus is to trap Him and to humiliate Him. 

*2) The purpose of the Temple*

The primary purpose of the temple is to experience God. 

The devote of God, approach the temple of God, in order to pray and to seek his blessing 

People usually don't go to the temple to question or to verify the authority of God 

So it appears so abnormal from the part of chief priest and the elders to question the authority of God. 

*3) Jesus didn't answer the question which they asked*

In the whole episode it is very clear that, Jesus didn't answer the question of the chief priest and the elders. 

Instead Jesus asks a counter question to which they didn't have any answer 

God does not answer the useless questions, which don't touch our life in any way 

*4) What is the purpose of my Going to the Temple?*

Generally we have a common answer that we go to the temple for praying, to experience God and seeking blessings of the Lord

But at the deeper level we need to ask, what is my approach in the temple with God and with Others 

Is it only to get the favours from the Lord, or to ask the Lord to bless us with the virtue of Generosity and sacrifice? 

Do I go to the temple to experience God, to fill us with the spirit of forgiveness, humility, sincerity, service? 

Do I go to the temple to fulfill my selfish motives, like to get some recognition, to show my talents and abilities, to show my power and authority, to find fault with others, to criticise others etc?

Do I go to the temple to show that I am right and the other is wrong? 

What is my purpose of going to the Temple???

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*