For today's readings, we have the Ten Commandments juxtaposed with Christ driving out the money changers in the temple. Two incredibly significant moments in the Bible. The founding of the Mosaic law, and a defining moment in Christ's ministry.
But I want to focus in on the very last part of today's Gospel, "but Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew all men and needed no one to bear witness of man; for he himself knew what was in man."
Many believed in Him; they saw this act at the temple and were wowed. Perhaps they too thought on Scripture, like the disciples. Perhaps they were sick of the corruption, the never-ending wheeling & dealing, and wanted the temple to be returned to a place of reverent worship. But Christ knew we are fickle. He knew what was in man.
He knows!!! He knows we are swayed by the times, influenced by our surroundings and peers. He knew not to put too much faith in the affection of the crowds and their temporary emotional state of being.
For me, this is why I love being Catholic. It's a religion built on faith and reason. It's got the blend of heart & mind. I don't go to Sunday Mass because I love the sermons the priest gives, or the amazing music that speaks to my soul. I mean, I love those parts. But beyond what I'm feeling like today, the Mass offers me the substance of Catholicism: transubstantiation. The re-enactment of Calvary. The consecration of the hosts from bread wafers into the actual true Body.
Thank you, Jesus, for leaving us faulty human beings with the Church who distributes the sacraments You instituted to give us opportunities for grace. Thank you for Holy Communion and the ability to be so close with You despite our wavering fickle human nature.
And thank you for knowing us so we don't have to explain why we fail so often to stick to our beliefs because we're swayed by those around us or our own feelings.
Today, I'm going to stick unwaveringly by the True Presence in the Eucharist. I'm going to be proud to be Catholic.
Nell O'Leary is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom to three lovelies. She and her husband live in the great city of Saint Paul. You can find out more about her here.
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