Purify Our Hearts

My dear friends in Christ,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus sets about restoring His Father’s house, cleansing it of the money-changers and any others who would turn the Temple into a marketplace rather than a house of prayer. Imagine placing yourself in this Scripture story: It’s very crowded in the Temple with visitors and workers. Hundreds of Jewish people have come to pray. But first they have to buy some goods and pay their taxes. Among the workers, there were some scammers and dishonest people. By acting unjustly, they caused trouble. They made it hard for some people to go and pray. Jesus saw this and became upset to the point of shouting and turning tables over. Many present were scandalized by what Jesus did to the Temple. He upset the usual order of things, forcing them to reevaluate their priorities. This story shows how much it hurts Jesus when people mistreat others and prevent them from prayer. Jesus was not there to simply purify the Temple. He was there to purify our hearts as well. May we continue to show gratitude as we humbly continue on our Lenten Journey.

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL UPDATE: Since the launch two weeks ago, we have received 61 pledge gifts totaling $9,000. To date, $6,290 has been collected. Keep in mind that we receive a percentage back for every pledge to the Appeal in the name of Corpus Christi.

Our Parish Day of Recollection is next Saturday, March 13th, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 10:00 AM until Benediction at 3:45 PM in Church. Confessions are 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM. Adoration signup sheets are at the entrance door. We need at least 2 people for each half-hour block.

May God bless you all, Father John

ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL UPDATE: Since the launch two weeks ago, we have received 61 pledge gifts totaling $9,000. To date, $6,290 has been collected. Keep in mind that we receive a percentage back for every pledge to the Appeal in the name of Corpus Christi.

Our Parish Day of Recollection is next Saturday, March 13th, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 10:00 AM until Benediction at 3:45 PM in Church. Confessions are 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM. Adoration signup sheets are at the entrance door. We need at least 2 people for each half-hour block.

May God bless you all,

Father John