Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Gospel of John 2:13-22
He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace."
When I read this gospel passage, the first thing that comes to mind is the Protestant or Non-Denominational Mega Church. These stadium-sized venues seat thousands of worshippers. Some even feature an in-house McDonalds, Starbucks, or a Christian bookstore all within the walking distance of a state-of-the-art auditorium with premium sound system and projection televisions. Hmmm....
If Our Lord lived in modern times, would he think that a fast food restaurant and bookstore is the equivalent of turning his house into a marketplace?
People can argue the McDonald's proceeds are donated to church collections but still the principle bothers me. For so many Protestants who take the bible literally I don't see how "church commercialization" is ok. Is this a new form of marketing Christianity? Draw people into church to listen to God's word by offering Skinny Lattes & Chicken McNuggets?!!
Last year my own parish cracked down on the sell of items in the narthex facing the sanctuary. Our pastor thought it was distracting and took the focus away from the Mass. All parish ministry fundraisers are now held either in our forum area or hallways outside of the Church. This goes along exactly with God's wish that we not turn his house of worship into a commercialization haven. At first it was a little odd not to see tables of "stuff" in the narthex; however, I think our pastor made a wise decision. The narthex isn't cluttered, and I don't feel guilty if I don't wish to buy a raffle ticket or purchase a Christmas angel.
One thing I noticed is how angry the Lord is. Jesus always seems so peaceful and kind. But, in this instance he is deeply upset..... Can you imagine being a money changer and Jesus swirling a corded whip around your head? How shocking and unbelievable to see The Messiah overturning tables!! This Christ Character is a Crazy Man! Jesus lost his temper in the temple for a good reason. The holy temple was being desecrated and used for unholy purposes. (Just the foul stink from sheep, oxen and dove dung would deter me from entering the temple. Yuck!) Why did these people turn the temple into a Biblical Times Shopping Mall? What on earth were they thinking? Profit over prudence! Turning something sacred into a zoo! Jesus was justifiably angry!
The Church is a holy and sacred place. It should be respected and secured. It shouldn't be turned into a marketplace, vandalized, or cheapened. It should be a welcoming place open to all. As Christians, we have a responsibility to keep our churches inviting, sanctifying, and glorifying.
-J.
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