Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”

The temple Jesus was talking about was his body, which was a living temple to his Heavenly Father. In the same way, our bodies are temples to God and we should take care of them and protect them from misuse. Just as Jesus drives out all of those who are misusing the temple, so must we drive out all of the sins and influences in our lives, which keep us from attending to our heavenly duties. We should not lose sight of our calling to be living temples of God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace. It is only by becoming Godbearers that we can fulfill ourselves and be found worthy of resurrection on the last day.

What are the things in our lives that distract us from fully embracing our calling to become living temples to God? How can we drive these worldly things, imperfections, and sins from our hearts? Are we consumed by zeal for our Heavenly Father’s house?

O Lord, consume us with zeal for you and your heavenly kingdom.

Amen.