The complete text is here, at the Creative Minority Report.
I’m not surprised, but it sure helps to underscore my
understanding that the readings for this Third Sunday in Lent provide much to
help us shape our prayer, our fasting, and our almsgiving this year. Lent is a time for Catholics to bring their faith into the public square—faithful Catholics, that is. Our readings for this Sunday are heavy with righteous anger calling us to justice.
In the first reading, we have Moses coming down the mountain bearing the ten commandments of a new covenant. They had been fused in fire and smoke on two stone tablets. Moses broke those tablets in his anger when he found the people worshipping a golden calf!
Only when he had "cooled down," and the people had
repented, did he make two more tablets, writing down God's words from memory.
The first three commandments told the people that there is only one God, and
Him alone should they worship every seventh day. If they were faithful to God,
then the other seven commandments, commanding right relationships with their
neighbor, would be easy. (Exodus 20:1-17)
Just as Moses had displayed righteous anger because of the
people's injustice, so we witness the righteous anger of Jesus toward their
lack of respect for His Father's house. What a scene He creates, overturning
tables, driving people and animals helter-skelter in all directions! Once He
has "cleaned house", He Himself takes possession of the temple, and begins
to teach the people. Of course, the Pharisees object at once, demanding a sign
that He has authority to do these things. What a sign He gave! "Destroy
this temple (meaning His Body), and I will rebuild it in three days." Only
when He broke through the rock of His tomb on Easter Sunday, did even His
apostles understand what He meant. (John 2:13-25)
There is a place for "righteous anger" in this
year's Lenten journey. The U.S. Bishops are angry with the attempt of our
government to force Catholic hospitals and charitable organizations to violate
their consciences by paying for contraception and medications leading to
abortion for workers that they must insure. The government has no business
forcing Catholics, or any other religion, to act against their conscience. Do
we share their anger enough to speak and act with our bishops? Are we angry
with our legislators for failing to treat immigrants justly in regards to their
human dignity and aspirations for education, health, and security as persons?
Are we angry enough to protest most loudly? Are we angry at the poverty of so
many of our citizens because of their inability to find work or pay for
transportation to get to work?
It’s time to get serious with our prayer, our fasting and
our almsgiving. It’s a moment of Truth for mankind.
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