Third Sunday of Lent

Hi all, Happy Third Sunday of Lent to you! Today we hear how Jesus will "destroy this temple and in three days...raise it up." Our journey through Lent offers us an intentional opportunity to tidy up the temple of our body and soul so that we might be in relationship with the Holy Spirit of God who desires to dwell within and be oh so close to us. Please know of my prayers as we continue to pray together through this season of Lent!

Opening Prayer: Litany of St. Joseph
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.  
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.  
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.
Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.
Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.
Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.
Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.
Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of Patience, pray for us.
Lover of Poverty, pray for us.
Model of Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
Patron of the Dying, pray for us.
Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.  

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.  

He has made him lord of his household, And prince over all his possessions. Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Reading: John 2:13-25
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all, and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.

 Questions for Reflection (note - consider keeping a journal with your answers during the retreat):
1. Consider the opening verses of this passage, where Jesus clears the temple. How do you see yourself in this scene? Do you see Jesus clearing the market and do you feel convicted, like you have been treating the things of God less than what God has intended? Do you feel like Jesus is overreacting? Do you feel like you are standing next to Jesus, thinking our cultural situation could use some tables over-tuned? Prayerfully consider this scene and listen to the Holy Spirit speak to your heart.

   2. John ends this Gospel passage in verse 25 by mentioning Jesus' knowledge of human nature. Why do you think he does this? What is the great benefit to you and I that Jesus understands human nature so well?

 Activities:
1. Spend some extra time this week in quiet prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you those things in your life that are not as godly as they could be. Maybe it is a television series you watch or the way you talk about others when they aren't around or etc... Pray for the grace to allow Jesus to purify your temple and consider strategies for moving away from these things and closer to Christ.  

2. With your spouse or your family or with your closest friends, discuss and share one thing in your life that you would like to practice on changing so you can grow in holiness. Once everyone has named one thing, agree to work to hold each other accountable during the rest of Lent (and beyond!) by checking in on a regular basis together to honestly report progress.  

Closing Prayer: Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee That with Thy Saints, I may praise Thee Forever and ever.
Amen.