Amidst the holiday frenzy, who will see Jesus?
from the Gospel of John, 2:13-22
Since the Passover of the Jews was near,
Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves,
as well as the money-changers seated there.
He made a whip out of cords
and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen,
and spilled the coins of the money-changers
and overturned their tables,
and to those who sold doves he said,
“Take these out of here,
and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”
Full disclosure, I do not have a degree in Theology.
But, this morning, when I clicked my Hallow app, what showed up for me to listen to was a Lectio Divina exercise with this Gospel.
So, if you will allow me to, I’d love to share where my mind took me during this meditative prayer.
Does Jesus hate business men (and women)?
Short answer, no. Longer answer – Jesus doesn’t hate anyone!
But Jesus knows what we need – and it’s not a what, it’s a who. It is Him.
We have to put God first and foremost. As business owners and consumers, Jesus is the source of all peace, joy and love.
If we can not recognize Him, then we are putting something above God. That is dangerous. That is definitely not good for us.
The Best Christmas Gift is Free
I listened and recalled being taught why animals like oxen, sheep and doves were being sold at the marketplace. I remember learning that people would buy the animals to offer them as sacrifices to the Lord.
But amongst this frenzy – and I picture modern day Black Friday – was Jesus;
the perfect Lamb . . .
the perfect sacrifice;
the perfect gift
Jesus was not recognized, and those He drove out were distracting others from Him.
Amongst those who were selling sheep and exchanging money – not one recognized THE PERFECT LAMB, JESUS.
Not only did they not recognize Him – some claimed to have something better to offer to God as a sacrifice.
What? There He was, right there in their midst! The Jesus!!! Not Jim Caviziel, not Jonathan Roumie, JESUS! Son of God. Lamb of God. The Savior of the World – right there – but not recognized.
Jesus is the greatest gift any of us could receive.
Our gift suggestions are only to help lead people to Jesus, not replace Him.
We live in a world that completely ignores Jesus in the attempt to celebrate Christmas.
We believe that you are reading this because you, like us, want to see Our Lord and hear His voice amidst the chaotic and frenzied world.
And, we want our family and friends to recognize The Lamb of God who came to save us from sin.
Let’s all pursue keeping our eyes and hearts on Jesus together . . .
Sometimes, we will pursue Jesus with gifts that draw attention towards Him.
If you are shopping for gifts, and looking for a gift that will remind your loved ones that Jesus is the Reason for the Season – grab this free Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog!
Gifts are one way to encourage others to think about God; talk to God; seek a closer relationship with the Holy Trinity and do Our Lord’s holy will.
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also want to share ministries that carry out incredible works of mercy;
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and more.
We invite you to stay connected with us, and to joyfully remind the world that Jesus is the reason for the season!
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