As the mom of three boys, I find myself repeating house rules often. Well, let’s be honest – it’s more than often. I reiterate some instructions constantly, repeatedly, ad finitum. “Boys, don’t forget to brush your teeth! Boys, laundry goes in the hamper, not on the floor! Boys, the basement is NOT a hockey rink!” Parents out there, can you relate? Some days, I voice my reminders calmly, take a deep breath, and carry on with my day. Other days, my patience runs thin and my temper is short. I will admit that I have said on more than one occasion in a voice that was neither quiet nor calm, “Boys! Every day I say the same exact thing. These are not new rules!” I love my boys unconditionally with my whole heart,
and yet still frustration sets in when they refuse to follow directions.
In today’s Gospel, we meet a frustrated and angry Jesus. He has journeyed to Jerusalem for Passover and, upon entering the temple area, encounters “those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there.” Jesus sees His Father’s house transformed into a den of thieves, as those selling animals for sacrifice were taking advantage of the poor, just as the money changers were swindling worshipers by extracting unfair interest. Outraged, Jesus drives out those who have made the temple into a marketplace, turning over their tables and spilling their coins. Such a reaction may seem alarming, disruptive, and out of character for Jesus – but I imagine that was the point.
Our First Reading gives us insight into Jesus’ frustration. We hear the story of God giving the Ten Commandments to Moses. God makes a covenant with His Chosen People and establishes rules and parameters, so that the Israelites may grow in relationship with Him. God is clear and concise in His First Commandment, “I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery. You shall not have other gods besides me.” Fast forward to the Gospel and we see the opposite on display in the temple area itself. The desire for wealth has surpassed the desire for God. Money rises to idol status, while the worship of God takes on a supporting role. Jesus’ frustration and anger are appropriate and understandable. Remember, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments many hundreds of years before this event. These rules were not new. Of course, Jesus was disappointed in people who heard the rules every day and yet chose to ignore. He was disheartened to see them choosing the gods of this world over the true God who deserves all praise, honor, and worship.
Certainly Jesus shook up the temple that day and got the attention of those who witnessed his frustration. This begs the question…How is Jesus trying to get my attention today? During Lent, Jesus calls us to shake up our own lives by driving out what does not bring us closer to God, overturning our complacencies, and spilling out sin from our lives. As I think about the frustration I feel when my boys don’t follow our house rules, I begin to wonder how Jesus may be frustrated with me. How many times do I fail to listen to what Jesus is telling me to do? How many times to I give in to worry, instead of giving that worry up to God? How many times do I fall short of living up to my full potential as a Christian?
Clearly, I still have some work to do this Lent.
As I continue to reflect, perhaps the most profound verse in this Gospel passage is the very last. Jesus is aware that He will be the one perfect Sacrifice. He knows that He is the true temple that soon will be destroyed and built back up in three days. The tides will turn on Him and those who believe in Him will stray. At this thought, Jesus does not show anger, but compassion. John tells us, “Jesus did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” In last Sunday’s Transfiguration Gospel, Jesus gave us a glimpse of His divinity; in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a glimpse of his humanity. Fully divine and also fully man, Jesus understands human nature, because He is one of us,
like us in every way but sin. He faced temptation, disappointment, and grief, just as He experienced love, friendship, and joy. Yes, Jesus was frustrated and angry, but just as I don’t stop loving my boys when they refuse to listen to me, Jesus never stops loving us when we fail to listen to Him. As we hear in the First Reading, God will “bestow mercy down to the thousandth generation on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments.” We may fail Him, but God’s merciful love will never fail us.
My friends, as we continue our Lenten journeys, let’s allow Jesus to shake us up. Let’s allow Him to drive out any sins and overturn any complacency. Let’s remember that the Commandments are for our well-being, not for our woe: “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul…sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb.” When we follow God’s rules, we find peace and joy. The words that Jesus repeats to us are words of love, “words of everlasting life.” Let’s listen to Jesus every time and respond with our lives.