First reading Ezekiel 47:1-2,8-9,12
Wherever the water flows, it will bring life and health
The angel brought me to the entrance of the Temple, where a stream came out from under the Temple threshold and flowed eastwards, since the Temple faced east. The water flowed from under the right side of the Temple, south of the altar. He took me out by the north gate and led me right round outside as far as the outer east gate where the water flowed out on the right-hand side. He said, ‘This water flows east down to the Arabah and to the sea; and flowing into the sea it makes its waters wholesome. Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live. Fish will be very plentiful, for wherever the water goes it brings health, and life teems wherever the river flows. Along the river, on either bank, will grow every kind of fruit tree with leaves that never wither and fruit that never fails; they will bear new fruit every month, because this water comes from the sanctuary. And their fruit will be good to eat and the leaves medicinal.’
Responsorial Psalm 45(46):2-3,5-6,8-9
Gospel John 2:13-22
Destroy this sanctuary and in three days I will raise it up
Just before the Jewish Passover Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and in the Temple he found people selling cattle and sheep and pigeons, and the money changers sitting at their counters there. Making a whip out of some cord, he drove them all out of the Temple, cattle and sheep as well, scattered the money changers’ coins, knocked their tables over and said to the pigeon-sellers, ‘Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.’ Then his disciples remembered the words of scripture: Zeal for your house will devour me. The Jews intervened and said, ‘What sign can you show us to justify what you have done?’ Jesus answered, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews replied, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this sanctuary: are you going to raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the sanctuary that was his body, and when Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the words he had said.
Built on Christ, A Dwelling for God
In today’s first reading, St Paul tells us, “You are God’s building…For the foundation, nobody can lay any other than the one which is already been laid, that is Jesus Christ.” Jesus is our firm foundation. He gives our lives meaning, fulfilment, strength, and direction. When we build our lives on Him, we remain steadfast through difficulties without losing hope. We may still feel afraid, tired or uncertain, but we are not facing them alone. His words guide us and His love gives us strength.
In the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the temple, showing that worship is not just a place or an outward practice. Rather, it is about making room for God in our hearts. True worship begins in the heart. Like the temple, our hearts can become crowded with worries, distractions, selfishness or resentment. Jesus invites us to let Him clear away whatever prevents us from drawing close to God. As we make room for Him each day, may our lives become a place where we welcome God’s presence and share Him with others.
Reflective question:
What choices help me build my life more firmly on Christ?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
