November 20, Friday Weekday

Your word is forever, O Lord.-- Psalm 119:89

Mass readings:1 Maccabees 4:36-37,52-59 / Luke 19:45-48

All Are Welcome

In today's Gospel, why was Jesus so angry at the traders in the temple? Did He consider it disrespectful? Was He indignant about their profiteering? Or is there more to it than meets the eye? Jesus' words in verse 46 are a combination of two Old Testament quotes: Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. Isaiah 56:3-8 speaks about the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's covenant with Israel. The latter part of verse 7 reads: ''my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.'' God was saying, in effect, ''All are welcome!'' By occupying the courtyard reserved for the Gentiles, the traders were preventing these people from worshiping God. That's what made Jesus so angry.

By my words, actions, or lifestyle, how do I exclude those whom God has welcomed?

Prayer: Jesus, help me to welcome those whom You have already welcomed by dying for them.