This is, of course, the day that Jesus overturns the tables of the money changers and those who were selling doves in the temple courtyard, not endearing him to the temple authorities who made money from the rates they charged for changing the money of Rome that had the figure of Cesar to money that could be used to purchase the offering.
He recognized, of course, that the poor could barely afford to pay the cost, just as the poor today can barely afford to pay many costs in society today. This is true not just in parts of our Nation but throughout it all. The poor have borne the brunt of the pandemic through living in crowded housing and working the jobs that have resulted in higher infection and death rates from the virus.
Jesus called for a reshaping of society. We need to reshape our society to reflect his call. The disparity between the wealthy and the rest of society, especially the poor, is a national shame. As we continue to rebuild after the past year, we must change many of the ways we live.
Prayer for the Day
On this new day, Holy One, bring the needs of others to mind,
As keenly as the light breaks over the horizon;
As the sky clears from the storms of times past,
Increase the clarity of our minds, transforming us.
Rupture our past complacency and help us live
To bring your kingdom of justice to our earth.
In the name of him who came to usher in your justice,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Material progress does not merely fail to relieve poverty; it actually produces it. This association of progress with poverty is the great enigma of our times. It is the riddle that the sphinx of fate puts to our civilization. And which NOT to answer is to be destroyed.”
Henry George, American political economist (1839-1897)
When a man wants to rob a bank he hides behind a mask, but when a banker wants to rob a man, he hides behind a corporation.
V.O. Diedlaff, American journalist and nanny organizer
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,
And their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them, nor forsake them
I will open the rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys
I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry lands springs of water.
Isaiah 41: 17-18