March 7 - One Bread, One Body

March 7, Third Sunday of Lent  

Cycle B Readings:
1) Exodus 20:1-17
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
2) Psalms 19:8-11
John 2:13-25

The cleansing of the consumers

''His disciples recalled the words of Scripture: 'Zeal for Your house consumes Me.' " — John 2:17

Those selling animals for sacrifice at the Temple and those exchanging coins had provided necessary services for centuries. Consequently, Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple was puzzling. To understand this, we need to see the Temple as a prefigurement of the Church, which Jesus loves so much even to the point of laying down His life for her (Eph 5:25). We go to Church; Jesus dies for her. We may see the Church as a group of people or a building. Jesus sees it as His Body (e.g. Eph 1:22-23) and His Bride (see Eph 5:27ff). Jesus’ attitude toward the Church is characterized by zeal and self-sacrifice (see Jn 2:17; Ps 69:10). Jesus was consumed by His love for the Church.

As disciples of Jesus, do we have Jesus’ attitude toward His Church? Is the Church our passion, our love, and our joy? Do we do the minimum or the maximum for His Church? Do we relate to the Church as consumers or as those being consumed? Do we look at the Church for value, convenience, and service? Do we “go to the Church of our choice”? Or do we let ourselves be consumed by the Church and her Head, Jesus? 

In this Lent, join His Church by His standards.

Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to prepare the Church for Jesus’ return. Make the Church “holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort” (Eph 5:27).

Promise: “For God’s folly is wiser than men, and His weakness more powerful than men.” —1 Cor 1:25

Praise: “I know that my Vindicator lives, and that He will at last stand forth upon the dust” (Jb 19:25). Praise the risen Jesus!

Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021.

†Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 31, 2020.

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.