A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 19:45-48)
The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.
When he comes to drive out those who are selling things in the temple area, Jesus says to them: “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ time see him coming every day to teach in the temple area. To their frustration, they can’t find a way to put him to death. In seeking to put Jesus to death, they find instead that he speaks the words of eternal life to those who hang on his words. How could they kill the one who is hope to the hopeless, the shepherd to lost sheep who guides and guards them? Jesus, the living word of God, is in spiritual battle at his Father’s house.
Father in heaven, help me shut out the distractions of a world clamoring with buying and selling, the voices from the marketplace coming from every device. Drive out every darkness that is not of you, as Jesus drove the merchants from the temple area, and help me find you in quiet moments set aside for the day. As the psalmist says: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.” Strengthen me, Lord, for spiritual battle in this life by my listening for the voice of your Son and following him.
From the responsorial psalm: “You have dominion over all, In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all. We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.” Lord, help me today to hang on your words. Saint Andrew and martyrs, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.