Ignatian Reflections

9 November 2024

Written by Benjamin Jansen S.J. | Nov 9, 2024 5:00:00 AM

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

It is notable that today’s Gospel passage relates one of the few instances of Jesus getting angry, and it is worthwhile taking a few moments to think about why. If we consider the function of the temple, it served as the dwelling place of God on Earth among his chosen people. It was also the only site of sacrifice to the Lord, one of the holiest and most exalted spiritual activities.

In contrast, the money changers and vendors were running businesses for profit. Bluntly put, coveting physical riches is perhaps the most antithetical, most diametrically opposed activity possible to making a pure and total offering of one’s heart and soul to the Lord. These two pursuits prioritize totally opposing values and are simply not compatible with one another, especially not in the holy space of the temple that was intended for the worship of God alone.

In our earthly human lives, it is necessary to work and earn to provide for our daily material needs. But the accumulation of wealth cannot and should not be our reason for being, especially not at the expense of our spiritual lives. We have to clear with ourselves on this point: what are we really living for? What do we prioritize? What or who are we serving or seeking? Is it God? Or is it something else?