Lent Meditation Day 17
Today we look at the story of Jesus cleansing the temple.
A Note from Ruth
These meditations are a reflection of my personal journey through Lent at a time when I was experiencing deep spiritual growth and learning what it means to grow in community as a student at the Academy for Formation and Mission. In part, I wrote them to process my own thoughts, but mainly to share those contemplations, because I felt they were meant to be experienced by others. My hope was to encourage others to go deep, to see God and Lent with a new perspective, and to self-reflect in a way that brings hope.
The money changers had set up their tables in the Court of the Gentiles. This was the only place the Gentiles could pray at the temple.
Can you imagine trying to pray with the sounds of animals and people yelling all around you. They had made God’s house of prayer into a “den of robbers,” and thereby kept the Gentiles from worship.
Here’s the key part. Jesus got mad. Really mad. So mad he turned over their tables and forced them out. Jesus stood up to the oppressors who acted in the name of God.
I wonder what we are called to do in times when people oppress others. Some say the call is to peace and that makes sense. Others say the call is to advocacy, which also makes sense. Yet there is also the call to offer forgiveness and love.
Can we do all three at once? Jesus offered love, yet he was angry. Jesus forgave even those who nailed him to the cross, yet he tore apart the outer court with a whip in his hand. Jesus spoke peace to the raging sea, yet advocated for the oppressed.
I get angry when people do horrible things. I believe it’s okay to use that anger to fuel the call for change. I believe that I can love and forgive even in my anger. I believe I can stand up for others when they are treated unjustly and as such, that I can bring peace to the world.
Jesus isn’t put off by righteous indignation. He experienced it too.