Scripture Readings
Today’s reading from Chronicles echoes the cleansing of the Temple by Jesus in last week’s gospel. The Temple was central to the Jewish religion, but under King Zedekiah it had been defiled, leading to the destruction of the Temple and Israel’s seventy year exile in Babylon. Then the Persian King Cyrus called for the people to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple on Mount Moriah, where Abraham almost sacrificed Isaac. After their return in 540 BC Ezra re-discovered the Jewish Law and the people renewed their covenant with God.
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians emphasises the unity of the world-wide Church, based firmly on God’s saving love, shown in Jesus Christ. We have been saved by grace, a gift from God. The phrase “in Christ Jesus” occurs frequently, reminding us of the ending of every Eucharistic Prayer. Christ will bring all things to perfection “in him” – and that includes us! “We are God’s work of art”.
In John’s gospel, after telling Nicodemus that he must be “born again” Jesus tells him that “God sent his Son into the world” so that “the world might be saved” through him. Jesus’ coming provokes judgement, both now and in the future. If our deeds are true we come into the light.
Psalm Response: O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!