DAILY HOMILIES #cleansing of the temple

The chief priests asked Jesus who authorised him to cleanse the temple. They did not know they were talking to God. Does anyone need permission to clean their house? Jesus had performed several signs and wonders that only God could do, yet none of them convinced them that He was God; their hearts were hardened. If you are waiting for anyone to give you approval before doing what is right (what God has put into your heart to do), you will wait forever.

Jesus did not curse the temple; instead, he restored its original purpose by driving out those who were buying and selling and scattering their tables. If we must bear fruit, we must constantly look inwards and cleanse ourselves of those things within us that God hates. At the end of each day, take some moments to examine your conscience and find out if there are things to be thrown away or built upon.

The state of the temple was a direct reflection of the state of the temples of their own heart. They had driven God out and replaced Him with money. What efforts do I make on a daily basis to cleanse my heart and ensure that God remains at the centre of my life?

Dear friends, just as John was asked to eat the scroll, we too are called to eat the word of God every day. Jesus said: “Man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4).