Gospel Reflection on John 2:13-25 from Damita Menezes

In this passage, Jesus cleanses the temple of trade and exchange. This act was a very important moment because He claimed authority of His house and gave the indication of His connection with the Father. 

“Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”

When the Jews ask Jesus, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this,” he says, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days,” referring to his crucifixion and resurrection. 

This entire passage is so crucial in fulfilling the prophecy but it is also monumental because it shaped how people congregated in the temple. It affects us even today. 

We know to respect and have “zeal” for the church and God’s home. It is a reminder for us to keep in mind that we are in God’s presence when we enter his temple and we must be humble, and meek. 

As we try to dissect the literal meaning of Jesus’ actions, I also want to point out the significance of it in our lives and how we can use a similar method to better ourselves. 

There are times when we need the tables of our life overturned.

“He scattered the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.” At that moment, Jesus changed business as usual in the temple. He turned the tables and started a new way for people to come together and worship His Father.

It’s just so easy to fall into the trap of business as usual. Business as usual is born of forgetfulness. We forget that we really are the temple of God’s presence. We forget that all of creation is the residence of God. We forget that in whatever direction we might turn, there is the face of God gazing upon us. And as soon as we forget those things about ourselves, each other, or the world, life becomes business as usual.

In order for us to avoid business as usual, we need to remember God and give it all to Him. Turn your tables, don’t forget Him, or it’s business as usual.