Fourth Sunday in Lent

In the words ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him might not die but have eternal life’ we have one of the most famous passages in the New Testament. The first part is often seen in isolation and lonely places like magnetic posters on fridges stickers on car windscreens or even billboards. Though often seen as a private verse, it carries an inclusive promise for the world. These are words are for the world, not just the private recesses of our hearts.

Third Sunday in Lent

In John’s gospel the cleansing of the temple occurs at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He is threatening the Temple authority’s power by declaring them unnecessary. Some suggest that that the overturning of the tables in today’s gospel could be seen as his ‘mission statement.’* We see what was in Jesus’ heart. His passion fires his words and actions and expressed as anger. The cleansing of the temple is an action parable. It sets the stage for what is to come. We see how intertwined are Jesus' identity and mission. Jesus is God’s presence on earth who ‘hears the cry of the poor’. God is in solidarity with all who suffer any kind of injustice. ‘I will live among you. I will be a living temple.’

Second Sunday in Lent

Walter Brueggemann referring to the Bible’s central vision of world history being the oneness of all creation, writes ‘Every creature in community with every other, living in harmony and security toward the joy and well-being of every other creature.’ Living Toward a Vision: Biblical Reflections on Shalom. Is this possible? For this to be possible, the readings call us to listen. They point to what God wants and confront us with what we will do with Jesus’ various epiphanies or revelations.