Third Sunday of Lent

The contemporary church cannot consider itself beyond the reach of Jesus’ whip or overturning hands.  When church leaders connive with unjust civil leaders, when fundraising takes precedence over faith raising, when we refuse to tolerate alternatives to religious practices and institutions, then ecclesial “cleansing” is needed by prophets driven by the Spirit of Jesus.  For us who are living stones in the Temple of Christ’s Body, Lent is also a time for cleansing the deep personal sanctuary of our hearts, for driving out of our lives whatever clutters our discipleship.