What sign have you ... ?

Wednesday, November 09, 2011
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica (Feast)

First Reading: Psalm: Second Reading: Gospel:

Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17 John 2:13-22

John 2:18 The Jews then said to him, "What sign have you to show us for doing this?"

What Authority did Jesus have to go and overturn the tables and disrupt the business that was going on there?

Not only was this a very bold move, but somewhat presumptuous. What right did he have?

Well, his answer is pretty interesting, he said kill me and I will rise again in three days. Now, they didn't get the "temple" allegory at the time, but that is what he was saying.

Here is the question we face. Are we willing to overturn the tables? Are we afraid that we will be asked by what authority we are doing it, and not have an answer we believe in? This is what it means to be "Justified by Faith". Jesus believed who he was and what was going to happen. That gave him authority to do what he did. Jesus says that if we have the faith as small as a mustard seed we will move mountains. But are we stuck in our fear and lack of faith? Can we do this?

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to have the courage, the faith, to do what needs to be done to defend your Holy Temple the church, the body of Christ, when it is being exploited, abused and attacked, as it is so often today in this world.

Amen