A reflection on the John 2:13-17 (Jesus cleanses the temple), by Mother Maria-Michael Newe, OSB
I have to laugh when I think of Jesus with a cord as I think that, if He came into my house, what would He be driving out? What would I see running away hard? It’s worth thinking about. Every time we go to confession He is chasing things out for us. We are to be the house of God. He loves us as a bride. He delights in us with great delight. We are to fulfill the Scriptures, “zeal for your house consumes me”; and if we are the house of God, He has zeal for us! It consumes Him.
If we are the house of God, He has zeal for us! It consumes Him.
What consumes you? You know it by what you’re always thinking of. When something consumes you it’s like you can’t get out of it. It comes wherever you are—when you’re sleeping, when you’re waking, when you’re upset with someone and can’t stop thinking about it.
So can you imagine that God is consumed with love for us? He can’t stop thinking of us. He can’t stop doing everything for us.
Think of the great cathedrals, and realize that you are more. Gothic cathedrals, spirals to the sky—you walk into them and you’re stopped, you can’t move—and you are more. When Christ steps into you, you are more. So fulfill the Scriptures, “I will make you a pillar in the house of my God.” What do pillars do? They bear weight. Be able to bear weight. Be able to stand firm. Be what you are called to be, and remember how much you are loved.
“AND THE DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS SHALL COME: and I will fill this house with glory: saith the Lord of hosts.”
—Haggai 2:8 (Douay-Rheims Bible)