Replacement of the Table in the Temple

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty First Week : Saturday*

*Dedication of Saint John's Lateran Basilica*

*Gospel : Jn 2:13-22*

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

*Responsorial Psalm : 2 Chr 7:16*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17*

*Replacement of the Table in the Temple*

*1) Cleansing of the Temple*

Today as we celebrate the feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, we have the Gospel of cleansing of the temple

As Jesus came to the temple of Jerusalem, he saw people were busy in making business. They had turned the house of God into a business centre

That's why Jesus was very angry and he drove them all out from the temple 

*2) Over Turning of the Table*

In the process of cleansing the temple, many things happen. For example

He drove the sheep out  

He drove the  oxen out 

He spilled the coins of the money-changers

He chased those who were selling the doves out from temple

He overturned their tables

The over turning of the table has a special and spiritual significance in this context 

*3) Table used for business*

This was a ordinary table might have made out of some wood 

There were many such tables in the temple which were used for the business

The primary purpose of these tables to facilitate business 

In fact these tables have been misplaced, since they were found in the temple, meant for business

These tables should have been in the market and not in the temple 

Therefore Jesus over turns these tables to show that they are not meant for the temple

*4) The New Table*

As Jesus removes or over turns the tables, Jesus also replaces a new table in the temple for the sacrifice and not for business

In other words we can call this table for spiritual business and not for worldly business

The New table is the table of the Cross 

The new table is the table of His body and Blood

The new table is person of Jesus Christ 

Therefore Jesus says *Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”*

Jesus raised a new table, which is being used as *Altar* in all the churches, to offer the sacrifice of Jesus, which came into existence through his death on the Cross

*5) The New Table*

Jesus who raised the *New Table* is found in all the churches 

This table is a holy table 

This table is the sacred place 

This table is used to offer the sacrifice of Jesus 

This table brings the sacrifice Jesus from heaven

This table brings the Trinity together 

This table unites God and Man

This table transforms the bread and wine into body and blood of Jesus 

This is the table which unites heaven and earth 

*6) The Third Table*

After having reflected the philosophy of two tables, now there is third table, which has special significance to my life 

The third table symbolises my own life 

*My life is like a table*

So what type of table I want to raise? 

A business table which only receives, a sign of greed, sign of worldly possessions and worldly glory

Or do I want to raise a sacrificial table, which gives a new meaning to my life? 

The new table which is the reflection of holy things, heavenly things, which help us to attain eternal life

What is the type of table my life reflects??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*