PODCAST | Third Sunday of Lent: Jesus Cleanses the Temple

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Our meditation today invites us to reflect on the value of the virtue of Holy Purity. “People in love demand total exclusivity,” explains Fr Javier del Castillo, “if their love is going to be sincere and true. Love requires a purity of heart… This is in essence what our Lord teaches us today in the Gospel, this Sunday.”

“Since the Passover of the Jews was near,
Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves,
as well as the money changers seated there.
He made a whip out of cords
and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen,
and spilled the coins of the money changers
and overturned their tables,
and to those who sold doves he said,
‘Take these out of here,
and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.’
His disciples recalled the words of Scripture,
Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:13-17)

Lent is an appropriate moment to closely examine the aspects of our lives which can be transformed by living Holy Purity; for example, our choices of entertainment and relaxation, our conversations with friends and coworkers, our attractions and desires, and our dress and appearance. Our desire and effort to live Holy Purity is a joyful and positive affirmation of our desire to grow in intensity of love, especially when we serve others and when we truly and sincerely serve God.

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