The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1 Maccabees 4:36-37,​52-59
1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Luke 19:45-48

After weeping for Jerusalem in yesterday’s gospel passage, Jesus entered the temple and found merchants selling oxen, sheep, and pigeons, along with money changers. He made a whip, overturned their tables, and expelled them, symbolizing his mission to purify us through his death and showing his passion for God’s house. This act signaled that God takes worship seriously, and his compassion for us is immense. He did this because the money changers dishonored God’s house and were unjust in their dealings.

In a world obsessed with wealth, people resort to theft, fraud, magic, robbery, kidnapping, assassination, ritual killings, and terrorism—all of which corrupt worship and society. Even as we attend religious functions, society worsens with bribery and corruption. Therefore, purification begins with ourselves; we are God’s house, and charity starts at home.

Let us work for peace, understanding, and unity—striving for a better tomorrow with mind, body, and spirit aligned. We seek refuge in God, to whom all worship belongs, and ask for spiritual renewal.

Fr Joseph Osho