In the temple

0:06

Passer Invenit Sibi Domum

The Monks of Pluscarden Abbey

Today is Monday the 9th of November, the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, in the 32nd week of Ordinary Time.

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Passer invenit sibi domum. “The sparrow has found a home for itself, and the dove a nest where she may lay her chicks: - your altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God! Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they will praise you for ever.”

As you settle into prayer now, reflect on the home you have found with the Lord.

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4:12

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 2:13-22

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

6:24

Today the Church celebrates the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the bishop of Rome and a sign of the Church’s unity. In the Gospel, Jesus is consumed with zeal for his Father’s house. Is there anything that stirs the passion that Jesus felt in you? What do you hold sacred? As you imagine him walking into the temple courts, what are you aware of?

Jesus speaks of the temple of his body, and John tells us the disciples understood him only after the resurrection. Is there something in your own life whose meaning is only now becoming clear? Where are you aware of God dwelling in your body and in your ordinary days? How do you care for that dwelling place?

As we hear the reading again, notice where you stand in the scene: among the traders, the disciples, or the onlookers asking for a sign. Allow a word or phrase to stay with you, and notice what it stirs in your heart.

10:06

John 2:13-22

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’ The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

12:04

Whatever has come to the surface, take time to speak to Jesus about it. Is there anything in the temple of your heart that you want him to clear away, or something you long to welcome in? Tell him whatever is in your heart.

14:25

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen