From today’s Scripture: “Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things….”—Lk 19:45

Earlier this week, Jesus was disheartened by those who were enamored about how the temple looked and seemed to forget the purpose of the temple. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is outraged at how certain Jews are defiling his father’s house by making it a den of thieves.

Jews were required to make sacrifices at the Temple. Since Jesus refers to the vendors as making the temple a “den of thieves,” it seems obvious that what began as a venture to provide a needed service to templegoers has degenerated into a money-making scheme.

Even today we see good works, over time, turn into some empty practice, or even worse, a way to take advantage of people. We need to keep in mind why we are doing what we do. Are we doing the right thing for the right reason, or have good intentions lost their mooring? We need to keep our priorities in line with our actions.

Let us pray: Lord, today, purify my heart. Help me keep in mind the reasons behind my actions.

Today’s author is Mike Schneider, Glenmary’s former treasurer and chief administrator.

Free delivery!  Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.