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The image in today’s Gospel of Jesus overturning tables is in forceful contrast to the gentle images of our Lord with children and healing the sick. In the temple Jesus witnesses the injustice taking place in his Father’s house and is moved to take a stand. Animals for sacrifice are being sold to travellers for unfair prices. Money changers are making a profit off those who travelled from afar. The temple was no longer a holy place where one could encounter God.
While jarring, this Gospel reminds us of the new life that is found only in Jesus. Through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, all people may now encounter the love of the living God. Through baptism, we as Christians welcome Christ to dwell within us. We meet God not only in bricks-and-mortar churches: an encounter with God is just a breath – a heartbeat – away.
Like the merchants in the Gospel today, we can lose sight of the peace that comes from simply being in the all-loving presence of God. As we continue our Lenten journey towards the resurrection, may we cleanse our hearts of the greed, gluttony, and selfishness that form a barrier between us and the true love of God. May our hearts be converted to love, peace and new life.