Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 and John 2:13-22

1. As you Jesus’ exchange in the temple, place yourself in the story as an observer. Take in the sights and sounds. Quietly imagine yourself watching Jesus as he comes in and encounters the market place atmosphere. What do you feel as you watch the scene unfold? What strikes you about Jesus’ demeanor? What thoughts go through your mind as you listen to his exchange with the religious leaders of his day?

2. Read through the gospel again. What invitations do you notice for yourself from this narrative?

3. It seems clear that as the dialogue continues between Jesus and the religious leaders that he alludes to a deeper meaning of the temple. Often we give attention to our physical life while the deeper things of the heart go unattended. Understandably! We have real tangible needs, we participate in a concrete world of relationships and market place exchanges. The immediate material needs of our everyday life often scream for immediate attention without the space to check inner motivations, compulsions, or attitudes.  Give yourself time to be present to your own heart. Without judgement or criticism, ask God to search your heart to discover harmful ways in you (Ps.139:23-24). Let Jesus come into your temple and point out where “house-cleaning” might be in order. Give him room to overturn tables and cleanse those things that keep you from the free flow of the spiritual life God intends for you.