A huge misunderstanding unfolded. My limited Amharic (language spoken in Ethiopia) did not help me this time. I angrily yelled at the taxi driver for charging lots more than we had established just a few minutes before. My roommate sat next to me, stunned at the anger and stern voice that belted out of me.
Finally, someone in the crammed minivan spoke up and explained to me in English that I had misunderstood the deal. I welcomed his clarification and quieted down although I did not fail to roll my eyes and keep a curve in my brow the rest of the ride to Mass.
Maybe this frustration was a little echo of what those in the temple felt with Jesus. He came in with a whipping cord, spilling coins, and overturning tables. All He responded when asked for an explanation was, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Can anyone blame them for thinking Jesus was talking about the actual temple building? I can definitely follow their logic on that one.
They had misunderstood Jesus and questioned Him, as I had the taxi driver in Ethiopia. Those in the temple were talking about the building which took more than Jesus’ earthly life to build (John 2:20). Our Lord, on the other hand, was speaking of His body which He would go on to lay down on the Cross and raise up again in order to reveal to us the Father’s love.
The Lord knows us, though. He knows our relationships and interactions are often plagued with misunderstandings and a not-so-ready-to-admit-wrongs kind of attitude. He is patient.
As we are now dead-center in the Lenten season, it’s easy to be hard on ourselves for everything we are failing to do. Perhaps we can give ourselves some grace, knowing that the Lord gets us. He stands ready to help us undo our pride and to clarify what we have not understood rightly about Him, the world, or ourselves. Remember, sister, He understands us well (John 2:25).
*Gospel Reading for Year B
He understands us well. // Rocio Perez Click to tweet
Have you experienced a misunderstanding this Lent that you'd like to rectify? Take the time to do that now.
LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS
A NEW WORKSHOP
COME BACK TO FIRST LOVE
