My house shall be a house of prayer…

 

Scripture readings for today's reflection can be found at Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

In our gospel for today, we hear of our Lord turning out those people from the temple area that were not acting appropriately at the entrance of the temple. They were the money changers in the rear of the temple, focusing on making a profit from those people that needed to purchase a pigeon or dove or some other animal for their sacrifice to God in the temple. These sellers were focusing on making a profit on these animals rather than helping people get what they needed in order to offer sacrifice to God in the temple. It’s entirely possible that they were overcharging for these animals and cheating these people that needed the animals for their sacrifice. They were focusing on their greed rather than on the true and proper sacrifice and worship of God in the temple.

As we reflect on this gospel, what is our focus upon entering Church for Mass? We should try our best to never be distracted by anyone or anything other than focusing on our prayer and worship of God. It’s easy to get distracted coming into church when we see people we know or get distracted by the issues we may have at home, or the other things in our life that may be on our minds. But once we enter church, we need to try to focus on the fact that we are entering into the presence of God and are here to give him worship and praise.

After entering church, it would be ideal to find your quiet place in the church and reflect on the scripture readings that will be used for Mass. Or simply come into church for quiet time with the Lord in the tabernacle and give Him thanks and praise for the many blessings we have in life, and to ask for help in the areas where we need help. We are to place all our cares and concerns into the loving hands of the Lord. This is how we are to make the church a House of Prayer. Further, we are to be considerate of those around us that also need this time alone with God in order to deal with their cares and concerns. We are all to center our attention on the fact that Jesus is present, body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the tabernacle. Focus on Him and give Him thanks for His presence in your life.

Pope St. John Paul II once said, “Prayer can truly change your life. For it turns your attention away from yourself and directs your mind and your heart toward the Lord.” So, turn your mind and heart towards God, remembering as you enter church that this is a House of Prayer. Once you focus on the Lord present here with us, then you will have that peace and calm that can only come from a loving and caring God.