The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the Lord is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the command of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true,
all of them just. (Ps 19:8-10)
Commandments are difficult to follow, partly because they go against human nature. That is really a shame, especially since God’s law is the only thing that will enable us to make it to His Kingdom. If we reject His law, if we decide to live for ourselves, we might have a comfortable time here on earth. Eternity, however, will be an entirely different matter. Our eternity might well be spent in punishment rather than in the glory of heaven.
That was the reason Jesus was so upset in the temple in today’s Gospel. He saw people distorting and abusing God’s law. On the surface, it would appear that the money-changers and the animal-sellers were a necessary thing, since the Jews often came to the temple to offer required sacrifices.
The problem was that the sellers and money-changers often took advantage of the pilgrims who came to the temple. They charged more than the fair amount for animals. They took more than the fair share for changing money. They were gouging other people at God’s expense.
Jesus was not going to let that happen. Not in His house. So he turned over the tables. He drove those people out of the temple. Many were angry with Him. His disciples recalled scripture which said, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” Others, who saw His zeal and His holiness came flocking to him.
We do we stand? Are we willing to flock to the Lord or are we going to be one of those who reject His commands?
We need to call to mind the commandments of the Lord that are most difficult for us to follow. We need to ask ourselves, “Why?”
Are they difficult because they pose an impossible situation in our life? Or, are they difficult because we would rather be doing something else?
FAITH ACTION: Focus on the commandment that causes you the most trouble and resolve to embrace that commandment this day.