Reflection on Chapter One - from the book of Jesus of Nazareth Part II (Pope Benedict XVI)
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Seeing Jesus’s entrance into Jerusalem as an “ascent” was a revelation. Geographically, in Luke’s Gospel Jesus travels from the Sea of Galilee (690’ below sea level) to Jerusalem (2500’ above sea level). Jesus’ ascent was in his self-offering on the Cross (Golgotha) i.e. loving to the end on the real mountain of God.
It is also an “inner ascent” as we enter the church as pilgrims and Jesus takes us up with him to the Cross and Resurrection into the eternal Jerusalem in the Eucharistic celebration. We receive Jesus into our ‘holy temple’, and by grace, we experience the deep intimacy that Jesus had with the Father. It is not just sitting in deep contemplative ecstasy (though that would be my preference) but also living out a Christ-centric life of mercy and justice (which is a challenge).
The cleansing of the Temple takes place at the Court of the Gentles where the whole world was invited to worship the one God. However, the temple authorities had allowed for cattle-trading and money changing there, thus placing “obstacles” to common worship. This angered our Lord Jesus, for the blind and the lame (living in the margins of life and society) were only allowed to this space for worship and it was here they met Jesus for healing.
This Lent we need to ask ourselves, if our “holy temple” needs cleansing? Overtaken by worldly concerns of making money and feeding our egos, can we accept these as obstacles to receiving Jesus’ healing? Are we ready to embark on a journey of holiness, to worship “in truth and spirit” as a daughter and son of the Heavenly Father –truly worthy of being redeemed by his Son?
