Robbers in the Temple at present

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty Third Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 19:45-48*

*First Reading : Rv 10:8-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131*

*Robbers in the Temple at present*

*1) Robbers in the Temple*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Robbers in the temple 

Robbers are those who steal the important things from the temple 

Jesus calls robbers to all those who steal the sanctity of the temple and turn the place into a business centre 

During the time of Jesus it is the scribes, Pharisees and other leaders of the people who turned the temple into the den of thrives

*2) Robbers in today's context*

The situation in the temple is not quite different from that of the time of Jesus 

In fact the situation has become worse in our temples and there are variety of thieves have entered the temple

Some of then could be following

*A) Mobile* Mobile has become the big thief, which has stolen many things from the temple. The sanctity, the seriousness, the silence, the devotion etc have stolen by the Mobile. We need to be very careful about this thief

*B) Craz for performance* For many the temple has become the place of performance and showing of ones talents and capacities. This need has become a thief in the temple, which is stealing the holiness of the spiritual exercises

*C) Need for Recognition* This need is very powerful in everyone. Many people use the temple as the place for their recognition. This is nothing but turning the temple into the den of thieves

*D) Business Interests* There are many who have business interests in order to extend their business and profit. At times temple is used to promote their business interests. In such a situation, these business people turn the temple into den of thieves

*E) Photography* The main thief, who steal the sanctity of the temple, in every event 

At times photographs are clicked, for everything which diverts the attention form good things  

*G) Other Thieves in the Temple*

Lack of coordination and confusion

The improper dress - another powerful thief.

Lack of deeper knowledge about our faith 

Fighting for name and fame 

Fighting to get mail roles in the churches 

All these thieves can be chased only through the help of Jesus 

*3) Temple thieves and My life*

Am I the member of the team of temple thieves? 

Am I attention drawing thief? Do I act as if that I try to get attention from others for silly things?

Do I turn the place of temple for business* eg: to present my talents and skills, to sell my capacities, to sell my pride and ego?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*