“Passion for your house consumes me.”
~ Psalm 69:9, Common English Bible

Jesus was passionate. He was passionate about healing. He was passionate about teaching. Prayer was the passion of his every breath. He was passionate about people. Passionate justice emboldened his actions. What was at the center of his heart, driving his passions? Worship of God!

In our scripture from John 2: 13-22 for the Third Sunday in Lent, we see Jesus at his most passionate. We see his zeal. Indeed, as he turns tables and scatters coins we see an angry side to him. What angers Jesus so much?

Perhaps Jesus was angry when he saw the poor turned away from the temple because they didn’t have enough money, even though they had scrimped and saved to pay the appropriate fee structures of that time. Or perhaps he saw the money changers “cutting deals” with the finely attired, playing to their status. Most of all, perhaps Jesus saw that God had gotten lost in the wheeling and dealing and subtle (or not so subtle) injustices.

The disciples, in observing Jesus’ behavior, remembered the ancient Psalm: “Passion for your house consumes me.” In John’s gospel, Jesus’ consuming passion is expressed in every faithful step he takes to ensure wholeness for all God’s people.

This Sunday we’ll reflect further on the passion of Jesus, and his deeply connected heart for the worship of God. Through worship, a door to healing is opened. Through worship, the deepest longing of our heart meets fulfillment in the heart of God. See you Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM.

Faithfully,
Rev. Dwayne

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