Weekend Gospel Reflection

Jn 2:13-2

Scriptural context

This episode of outrage in the Temple is recorded in all four of the Gospels. Interestingly, the three synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke place the event in the final days leading to Passion events while the Gospel of John places the event in the very early days of Jesus’ public ministry. While the three synoptics are likely to be more chronologically correct, the Gospel of John uses the event very deliberately to make the point that Jesus is the new Temple – the new focus of God’s presence in the world; the Word made flesh.

Historical Context

In Jewish tradition, the Temple marked the point of physical connection between God and humankind and between the past and the present. It was where God’s story and humanity’s story met. However, in the year 70 C.E. – some 40 years after Jesus – the Temple was destroyed by the Romans. The Gospel of John is written another 20+ years later and so the reality of the Temple’s destruction is still trying to be absorbed by the people. It was a very powerful image for the Gospel writer to suggest that Jesus was the new Temple – the new point of connection.

Different View – Just like Jesus

This gospel passage must be one of the most commonly misused passages in the Bible. So often it is used as justification for someone losing their temper, or worse, an outrageous temper tantrum, or ‘dummy spit’. People will declare in their defence, ‘Well, Jesus lost his temper and got angry in the Temple!’ They fail to appreciate the difference between their own hot-headedness and the outrage against injustice that was being expressed by Jesus. They also seem to miss the significance of the fact that this was a ‘one off’ for Jesus!

From Greg Sunter

SACRAMENTS

A reminder that our first Faith Formation Evening is NEXT THURSDAY from 6-7pm in the SJV Church. ALL children who wish to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Eucharist and an adult or family member must attend the evening that will be run by Fr Michael and form part of the children's preparation for the Sacrament. QkR! registration will open at the conclusion of this first evening for both Sacraments and needs to be completed and paid by the 18th April. 

Commitment Masses also start next weekend. You can attend any Mass over the weekend where your child will pledge their commitment and hand in their commitment form before asking parishioners to pray for them during this time by sharing out their prayer cards.    

Have a great week!