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Reading 1: Exodus 20:1-17 or Exodus 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17
Responsorial: Psalm 19:8-11
Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Gospel: John 2:13-25
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030721-YearB.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/
Hello! I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Thank you for joining me on deacon rudy’s notes where every weekend we break open the Word.
Today the Church gives us two sets of readings: one for the Scrutinies for those in RCIA preparing to enter the Church, and the other for the third Sunday of Lent. This homily is based on the readings for third Sunday of Lent.
The readings for this weekend are interesting. Our first reading from Exodus describes the ten commandments. Paul tells us that the cross is a stumbling block for Jews and foolishness for the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:23). And in the Gospel, Jesus takes a whip and drives out the money changers from the temple area. What is going on? Let’s jump right in!
First, we hear about the Law. Now, laws and rules are good. In fact, having rules is liberating!
Why? The rules mark the boundaries for us, so that we can be free within those boundaries. We know what to expect. Why? Well, look at the rules for a homeowner’s association, for example. The rules give us some predictability. We know what we can and can’t do, and equally important we know what our neighbors can and can’t do. The rules create a framework for getting along.
Are there any risks? Yes. One of the risks is that we turn into a busybody trying to catch our neighbors when they misstep. Maybe we even walk around with a clipboard and a copy of the homeowner association tenets to literally check to see if our neighbors are complying with the rules. The busybody describes someone who approaches the rules with a checkbox mentality. I would argue they are “doing” without a purpose even though they might be following the letter of the rules.
What do I mean?
For example, let’s say you brought your trashcans in 30-minutes late, or part of your trashcan is not fully obscured by the fence and can be seen from the street. The busybody complains. The property manager sends you a warning or perhaps a fine. Yes, you technically broke a rule, but does your infraction undermine property values or threaten the neighborhood? Rigidly following and enforcing rules can totally miss the point of having rules which is to live in peace and harmony with your neighbors.
I think that’s what’s going on in today’s Gospel reading. First, John places Jesus’ visit to the Temple at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Why? To emphasize that “The Father is the source of Jesus’ authority and his mission of salvation”. <1>
What does Jesus find at the Temple? Well, it’s Passover, so there are many Jews visiting from out of town. Scholars suggest there could be thousands of foreigners in town. But secular money cannot be used at the Temple to buy sacrifices and make offerings. The money had to be exchanged for Temple money. The Temple probably looked like any marketplace – packed and busy! What does Jesus do? Jesus grabs a whip and chases the moneychangers out of the Temple!
The Jews wondered who Jesus thought he was. Was he a prophet?
Now, look at it from the side of the Jews. The Jews – at least the leaders – projected an image of totally honoring and following the Law of Moses. They had a sort of checkbox mentality to the Law. We heard examples of this recently. Why do the disciples pick grain on the Sabbath? Why do the disciples not fast? Why do the disciples not wash like an observant Jew? These are examples of a checkbox mentality to the Law instead of living in the spirit of the Law.
In confronting Jesus, the Jews demanded a sign. Now, Jesus knew what they wanted, but instead, Jesus tells them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). The Jews scoff at that idea because they don’t understand what he is saying. They don’t recognize the prophecies that the Messiah would come to cleanse and purify the Temple (Malachi 3:1-4) and drive out the merchants (Zechariah 14:21). The Jews wanted to be dazzled, but is that really conversion? That’s why Jesus hid himself or removed himself from the situation. <2>
Even if Jesus had explained himself more clearly, it’s doubtful the Jews would understand. His own disciples don’t understand! In last weekend’s readings about the transfiguration, Peter, James and John didn’t understand what Jesus meant about his death and resurrection. And why?
Paul tells us that the cross is a stumbling block for the Jews (1 Corinthians 1:23), and he also tells us that the Gentiles don’t understand. They value education and wisdom above everything. How can ending a career in a public execution be considered a success? It’s foolishness to them (1 Corinthians 1:23).
Now, it’s easy for us sitting comfortably in our homes to think how silly the Jews and Gentiles were. But what are our stumbling blocks? Do we see the crucifixion as transformational event leading us to worship in Spirit and truth as the Gospel tells us (John 4:24)? Do we as Christians live our lives any differently than any other people around us?
What are our stumbling blocks? The world tells us that because we work so hard and lead such busy lives that we are entitled to a little self-indulgence. Yet St. Paul warns us in Galatians that the works of self-indulgence work against the Spirit. Paul’s list includes immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, and factions (Galatians 5: 19-20).
Now, you might say to yourself, “Whew! I’m good!” And yet, our world suffers from all sorts of addictions like pornography often sustained by human trafficking, greed, busyness which distracts us from the world around us, people still use Ouija boards, tarot cards and horoscopes, and people even adopt conspiracy theories inspiring vigilante action, like the insurrection at the U.S. capitol. At the root of these vices is deciding for yourself what is good and evil. We can trick ourselves into thinking we’re happy, but deep down we know something is missing. Our distractions can keep us from allowing the crucifix to transform our lives.
My brothers and sisters, I have good news! Jesus is the new temple! God came into our world. Jesus offered his life – he is the sacrifice offered to heal our broken and sinful world. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome our modern-day stumbling blocks and join together not as rivals, but in peace! Our Lenten sacrifices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving can help us recognize stumbling blocks and transform our lives!
Homework! Nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, I invite you to reflect on the following two questions. First, what are some of my stumbling blocks? Second, how can I use my Lenten sacrifices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to live a life in Christ Jesus?
Doing our homework can help us live as undistracted disciples so that we can spread the message of hope to everyone we encounter. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May almighty God bless you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! +Amen!
You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!
Image Credit: Lent. Artist Unknown. JPG.
Notes:
<1> Francis Martin and William M. Wright, IV, The Gospel of John, Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015), 65, Kindle.
<2> George T. Montague, First Corinthians, Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011), chap. “Cliques and the Cross (1 Cor 1),” sec. “The Gospel, Divine Paradox,” Kindle. Also, see Martin and Wright, 66.
Bibliography/Suggested Readings:
1. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright IV. The Gospel of John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015. Kindle.
2. Montague, George T, SM. First Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011. Kindle.
Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Christ’s power revealed in the Cross: 272, 550, 853
2. Jesus and the Law: 459, 577-82
3. Jesus and the Temple: 583-86
4. Temple prefigures Christ; he is the Temple: 593, 583-86
5. Jesus’ death on the cross: 619-23
6. Holy Spirit prepares for Christ: 1093-98
7. The New Law completes the Old: 1967-68
Third Sunday of Lent https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030721-YearB.cfm
Lectionary: 29
Reading 1
Exodus 20:1-17
In those days, God delivered all these commandments:
“I, the LORD, am your God,
who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery.
You shall not have other gods besides me.
You shall not carve idols for yourselves
in the shape of anything in the sky above
or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth;
you shall not bow down before them or worship them.
For I, the LORD, your God, am a jealous God,
inflicting punishment for their fathers’ wickedness
on the children of those who hate me,
down to the third and fourth generation;
but bestowing mercy down to the thousandth generation
on the children of those who love me and keep my commandments.
“You shall not take the name of the LORD, your God, in vain.
For the LORD will not leave unpunished
the one who takes his name in vain.
“Remember to keep holy the sabbath day.
Six days you may labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD, your God.
No work may be done then either by you, or your son or daughter,
or your male or female slave, or your beast,
or by the alien who lives with you.
In six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth,
the sea and all that is in them;
but on the seventh day he rested.
That is why the LORD has blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
“Honor your father and your mother,
that you may have a long life in the land
which the LORD, your God, is giving you.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife,
nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or ass,
nor anything else that belongs to him.”
OR:
Exodus 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17
In those days, God delivered all these commandments:
“I, the LORD am your God,
who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery.
You shall not have other gods besides me.
“You shall not take the name of the LORD, your God, in vain.
For the LORD will not leave unpunished
the one who takes his name in vain.
“Remember to keep holy the sabbath day.
Honor your father and your mother,
that you may have a long life in the land
which the Lord, your God, is giving you.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife,
nor his male or female slave, nor his ox or ass,
nor anything else that belongs to him.”
Responsorial
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
R. (John 6:68c) Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
Reading 2
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Brothers and sisters:
Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
but we proclaim Christ crucified,
a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike,
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Verse Before the Gospel
John 3:16
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.
Gospel
John 2:13-25
Since the Passover of the Jews was near,
Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
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 Jews said,
“This temple has been under construction for forty-six years,
and you will raise it up in three days?”
But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
Therefore, when he was raised from the dead,
his disciples remembered that he had said this,
and they came to believe the Scripture
and the word Jesus had spoken.
While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,
many began to believe in his name
when they saw the signs he was doing.
But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all,
and did not need anyone to testify about human nature.
He himself understood it well.