A reflection on Luke 19:45–48 for Friday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time.
After I picture Jesus driving the sellers out of the temple, I tend to stop there. It is an eye-catching scene, and I understand why it grabs our attention. But right away Luke goes on to say that Jesus was teaching in the temple every day. I have read and heard that sentence many times without giving it much thought. He came back after the confrontation, over and over.
That makes me think about reform in the Church. Institutions wrongs need to be called out. Sometimes a person needs to be removed from a position. Those are courageous actions. Once they are made, though, the people affected still have to live with what happened. A public statement doesn’t change how the next Sunday will feel.
I don’t always want to wait though. The problem has been acknowledged and changes announced. Let’s just move forward. But some people whose concerns were dismissed early on might still feel uneasy. Someone who was hurt may find it hard to pray in a place I find comforting. I am eager to believe that everything is improving. But each person moves at their own pace when there is healing to be done.
Luke does not describe a modern parish reform process. He tells us that Jesus continued teaching while the leaders sought his death and the people listened closely. But the way he returns to the temple makes me think about what faithful repair to the community means. People need to learn to trust again. They need honest answers, changes that stick, and freedom to speak without being hurried toward forgiveness.
I love the Church, and I want my daughters to love her too. I hope they see that love continue, even when our community needs healing. In a parish facing harm, the process might go on for a while. I can ask Jesus to help me stay attentive after the urgent meeting is over.
Lord Jesus, remain close to those who have been hurt in your Church. Give leaders courage to act and patience to follow through. Help me listen without rushing anyone’s healing, and make our places of worship worthy of the trust people bring to them. Amen.