Newsletter — Third Sunday of Lent B—3rd March 2024
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| Reading I: Exodus 20:1-17: | Psalm: Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 |
| Reading II: 1 Cor 1:22-25 : | Gospel: John 2:13-25 |
Overall Theme: The theme of the readings is that Jesus is the embodiment of the law. This law aids us in acting in accordance with our identity as children of God.
Summary of the Readings:
First reading: Today’s excerpt from the book of Exodus recounts the giving of the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic covenant to establish family laws and structure to the people of God.
Psalm: David praises God for the goodness of the Law. In traditional Judaism, the law was a gift from God that the people took delight in. Psalm 19 expresses appreciation for the good guidance from God about living to enhance human flourishing.
Second reading: Paul mentions that the “Jews demand signs,” which is what happens in the Gospel when Jesus cleanses the temple. The Jews say, “What sign do you have to show us that you have the authority to do that?” This reaction coincides with how God often proved Himself to the Jews in the Old Testament by utilizing signs.
Gospel: Jesus, as the Son of David, has a responsibility to maintain the Temple which was being abused. The court that was given to the Gentiles for prayer and worship had become a market. Jesus in righteous anger restored the court to be a place of prayer. Later in the gospel, Jesus speaks of the Temple of His Body, which is polyvalent in meaning. To call His Body the Temple means that He is the culmination of all
the covenants of salvation history. Additionally, the human body is considered the perfect temple because it was fashioned by God’s hand.
Practical Application: Let us be grateful for God’s perfect law that Christ invites us to meditate upon. The Gospels are how we learn the law of the Lord by watching Him in action. By observing our Lord, we intuit the principles by which He is guiding us.
Memory Verse: “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.” (Psalm 19:8)
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