There Is Right Place For Everything

We keep the sanctity of a place when we honour its purpose. 

Reflection on Today’s Readings, 3rd Sunday of Lent B, March 3rd, 2024
Texts: Ex 20:1-17; Psalm 19:8-11; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25; John 2:13-25 

The Preacher says, “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven” (3:1). Today’s gospel reading teaches us that there is right place for everything. School is not a place to buy and sell. Market is not a place for literacy, learning how to read and write. We do not treat patients in either market or school; we treat patients in hospital.  

The gospel reading tells us about how Jesus Christ drove out those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers at their business. Was it that Jesus condemned trading? No, He did not. He drove them out because the Temple is not right place for trading. He said, “Take these things away, you shall not make my Father's house a house of trade." It is an abuse to use a place for what it is not meant for. We keep the sanctity of a place when we honour its purpose.  

The law of the  Lord is perfect

The action of Jesus teaches us that Temple has purpose, not everything can take place in the Temple. What this means is that Temple has rules and regulations that guide it. Just like the Temple, our life as the people of God is guided by the commandments of God. The Psalm says, “The law of the  Lord is perfect; it revives the soul. The decrees of the  Lord are steadfast; they give wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the  Lord are right; they gladden the heart. The command of the  Lord is clear; it gives light to the eyes.” 

The commandments guide and regulate us to love God and one another. They encourage the love of God by emphasising the service of God alone, not to call God’s name in vain and to keep the Sabbath day holy. The other seven commandments orient us towards the love of one another. They bid us to honour our parents for long life. They forbid killing, adultery, stealing, false witness our neighbours, covetousness. We know through the commandments what we should do and not do. 

 Being the disciples of Jesus we follow the path of wisdom

The commandments are wisdom of God for guiding His children and regulate their life. However, the Greek seeks wisdom different from the commandments of God. They seek worldly wisdom. It is by living according to the commandments of God that we are cleansed and holy.  

The wisdom of God becomes person in Jesus Christ. St. Paul says, “but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Hence, being the disciples of Jesus we follow the path of wisdom. Following the path of wisdom, we fulfil the commandments of God.  

Prayer 

O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness, who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving have shown us a remedy for sin, look graciously on this confession of our lowliness, that we, who are bowed down by our conscience, may always be lifted up by your mercy. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke