HOW DID WE GET TO THIS?
(Luke 19:45-48)
Jesus entered the temple in
Jerusalem. He was driven to drive out the people because of what He saw
happening in the house of God. The house of prayer lost its worth. He saw
people who sold. He did not just see money changers, He also saw value
changers. He was shocked. He must have questioned: Has it reached this level?
Has it actually got to this? How did we
get to this in the first place?
Has it got to this? is an
important question Jesus asks each and every one of us in shock about the
unexpected things we do. Jesus is wondering when the Church became disco halls.
Jesus is asking: how have we allowed values to be turned upside down? How come
are we normalising the abnormality of nudity? Why are people comfortable in
desecrating holy things? How come is it that there is no fear again in people
about duping and stealing in the name of God?
How did we get to the level of
not being ashamed of immoral acts? How come are people now exposing themselves
anyhow even in the house of God? How is it that the Church has become a place
to display ungodly packages?
Jesus is indeed poised by a drive
to drive out. He wants to drive out whatever evil we've got in us. He wants to
drive out that which is stubborn in us. He wants to drive far away all forms of
materialism that devalues spirituality. Jesus wants to drive away everything
the devil is displaying in you that will not lead to your edification.
Dear child of God, what are those
behaviours you have been displaying that God is not happy about? What are those
evils you showcase that has shattered your marriage and your family? What are
the packages you present on the way of people who wants to worship God in
spirit and in truth that distract their attention from divine attraction? What
are those forces robbing you of the zeal to really pray as you should?
Expose all these in sincerity to
God. Though you have annoyed God through them, confess to Him that you want to
start all over again. Let God know your regrets for ever getting to the extent
of no longer caring about the sacredness of God, of your life and of the lives
of others who are for sure living temples of the Holy Spirit.
Let Us Pray
Oh, my loving Jesus, thank you
for opening my eyes to see my misdeeds. I am Sorry for having got to the point
of exchanging eternal values with ephemerals of the world. Almighty God, by the
power of your Spirit, drive away from us the evil drives that intend to make us
to be driven away from your kingdom through Christ our Lord.
God bless your Friday (33rd Week,
Ordinary Time)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
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