Temples of the Holy Spirit

by David Lins  |  03/07/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Have you been watching my online Lenten Retreat on our parish YouTube channel? If not—it isn’t too late!

Week One:

WATCH NOW

Week Two:

WATCH NOW

(And you’ll have to look for Week Three on the YouTube channel as it will be released after I write this, but before you read this.)

Now...here is a quick reflection on this weekend’s Gospel…

Jesus was filled with so much righteous (see: holy) anger that he TOOK THE TIME TO MAKE A WHIP before driving the sales people and money changers out of the temple.

According to Dr. Brant Pitre, they were set up in an outer part of the temple designed for gentiles to join in worship.

Jesus had a love for the temple. This is what drove Him and it was obvious to his disciples, who recalled the words of Scripture, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

Jesus despised the temple — a place made for worship — being desecrated.

This should underscore the importance of seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation. How? Why? Because the Catholic Church teaches that our bodies aren’t mere “cages” that contain our souls, but temples of the Holy Spirit. These “temples” are created to be holy. When we allow them to be desecrated, how do you think Jesus feels?

Today’s reading gives us more than a clue.