Reading
Luke 19:45-48
45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”
47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.
Comment
Once in Jerusalem, Jesus no longer performs miracles and healings but dedicates himself to teaching in the temple, engaging in various disputes, and teaching about the last things. But before making his word resonate, he carries out a work of purification, driving away the sellers.
The preaching takes place between the admiration of the people, who "hung on his words" (v. 48), and the hostility of the political and religious leaders, who will be his antagonists in the drama of the Passion.
Even in our hearts, there is a trade with the things of this world - often reduced to trade goods - and there are conflicting reactions to the words of the Gospel. But the Lord comes to purify it, sometimes vehemently, but for the sake of his holy place, created in the image and likeness of God.
Prayer
Create in us, o Lord, a pure heart; so that we may worship you in spirit and in truth, listening to your word. Amen.
- Rev. Dr. Luca Vona
