Cleansing the Temple

For our post-Thanksgiving and Pre-Advent reflection, the Church provides Luke's brief version of the Cleansing of the Temple (Lk 19:45-48) and the Memorial of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs canonized in 1988 by St. John Paul II, two rather sobering contrasts to the joy and gratitude of yesterday, but nevertheless nourishing to our spiritual life.
What was once a necessary convenience to Jews who came to worship at the Temple, where Roman coins were not allowed because of the "graven image" of Caesar on them, had become a wholesale disgrace to the sanctity of the temple, and raised the ire of Jesus which motivated his forceful action and their quick expulsion. We might reflect on how "things" attitudes, and behaviors, once innocently part of our daily routine, have become detriments to our relationship with God and others, and need purging.  Advent is the perfect time for the cleansing of our "temples" in preparation for the birth of Jesus.
Reflecting on he suffering of the Vietnamese martyrs might help curb our whining, when we find the "purge" too painful.  As Father Paul Le-Bao Tinh testified, "In the midst of these torments, which usually terrify others, I am, by the grace of God, full of joy and gladness, because I am not alone--Christ is with me."  May we find that same Presence, joy and gladness as we "cleanse our temples."
Bro. Rene