My House is a House of Prayer

Beads of Joy 11-20-09

My House is a House of Prayer
©2009 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everybody,

This is one gospel that is so inspiring to all those who may think Jesus was just a meek man who prayed a lot and who forgave all those who were mean to Him. Jesus boldly defends His Father’s house as a place of worship; this is the only place in the gospels that you see Jesus physically use any force. Today’s reading is Luke 19:45-48 (The Cleansing of the Temple).

His act here was to be a prophetic sign and warning to all. This was a warning to let people know that God sees our spiritual life and our time of worship as something that should be taken very seriously. It’s here that we see His swift action in cleansing the temple of the money changers who took advantage of the poor. Many of these money changers had the poor pay many more times than was right, and this act of greed was taking place in the house of God. Jesus seen them as not only an act of stealing from the poor, but they were also dishonoring God.

This judgment was aimed at making our place for prayer, just as important as our prayer time. We must each approach Jesus in such a way that is humble and willing. We must be ready to be taught by our Lord, not only to help us to stay and grow close to Him; but also that His word can help transform us into His likeness. Our entire life should be devoted for just that reason alone.

Today I challenge you this way. Look upon your church, the place you celebrate Mass each week in a different light. Look at it like our Lord so desires us to look at it; with reverence and respect. I’m not talking about any of that towards the building or the property, or the furniture. Of cause the very altar and tabernacle should be a place we genuinely respect. But now take a look upon this church and see it as “God’s Home”. This building is His place, when we go in, we need to respect it and honor it as if we would visit a friend or family members home. Obviously more so, knowing it is Almighty God’s home. In doing that alone, to me I see and feel completely different every time I approach my church.

Pray that you to may see how very special the Church of God truly is.


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO