Father Tim Lemlin
I heard a story about a woman who operated a daycare for children from her home. As she transported children in her car one day, a fire truck zoomed by. The kids were thrilled to see a Dalmatian on the front seat.
They began a conversation about the duties of the "fire dog." One child suggested that the fire fighters use the dog to keep the crowds back. Another said the Dalmatian is just for good luck. But young Jamie brought the argument to an end when he said, "They use the dog to find the hydrant!"
It is often said that Jesus didn't involve himself in political matters. This is true and not true. It is true in that Jesus chose not to participate or get caught up in political issues (like when he was asked the question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes?"). It is not true in that Jesus also did directly interact with the system. Today's gospel story is one of those times when Jesus interacted with the system. He is making a political statement.
The Synoptic gospels recall this event happening toward the end of Jesus' life. It is the final action that causes the people with authority in the system to decide to kill him. John's gospel moves this event to the beginning of Jesus' ministry, making it Jesus' opening statement regarding his intentions in dramatic style. John also adds to this drama by having Jesus first create a whip before beginning his assault on the occupants of the Temple who are buying and selling.
What is it that causes Jesus to act in such a dramatic way? It appears that during Jesus' lifetime seventy to eighty percent of the economy in the City of Jerusalem revolved around the Temple. Thousands and thousands of animals, for example, were sold, bought and sacrificed each year. It also appears that those who were in authority made the Temple inaccessible, especially to the poor. A code of life excluded people instead of including people. All of this served to create a false image of God. It is this false image that Jesus assaults, and ultimately, it is his action that eventually convinces the authorities (both Jewish and Roman) that he has to be eliminated.
We are at war. A comic strip recently referred to the word war as an acronym meaning "we are right." I don't know if we are right or wrong. I don't know if God approves or disapproves of this conflict. I do know that people are dieing and this saddens me. It also pushes me to seek the true face of God. I can't see this face perfectly, but forgiveness is definitely present. Forgiveness is defined as "a willingness to abandon one's right to resentment, negative judgment, and indifferent behavior toward one who unjustly injures us." Maybe this can become a way of life for us, and open our eyes to see that we are each a temple of the Holy Spirit. Maybe peace can begin here among us.
