Excerpt from John 2:13-22

"He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!'"

Reflection by Felix Carrion

Few experiences can match how wonderful it is to be a part of a church that honors and practices the true meaning of being a church. For members and friends of these churches it's a joy to go to worship on Sunday. Those who attend feel renewed, embraced, spiritually and communally connected, united in love, supported by God and the community of faith, and empowered and commissioned to do God's work in the world. Those who belong to these churches live to open wide the doors to all others so that the experience of God in worship and fellowship can be real for them as well. This is not just an ideal picture of what can be; it is a living reality for countless people who belong to churches that preserve the purpose for gathering in that holy place they call God's house of worship. Talk about best practices!

It is not known how often Jesus visited the temple in Jerusalem. But on this occasion he was there to protest against those who have turned his "Father's house into a marketplace" and "a den of robbers" (Mark 11). Jesus was rebuking the religious authorities for trampling on the true purpose of the temple by having it serve the aims of the political authorities in Jerusalem and Rome. His symbolic and prophetic message was that the temple was not built to serve the collusive interests of the economic elite and the military establishment. Jesus knew in his heart and bones that the true worship of God is the true practice of justice for the orphan, the widow, the oppressed, the alien, and those suffering persecution and violence. And so he overturns their tables. Talk about best practices!

Houses of worship are made holy by the zeal of their people to worship God by practicing justice. Houses of worship are made holy by the sacred offerings of love and devotion that the people bring to give to God and each other.

May we in the church humbly aim to match Jesus' zeal! May we in the church make this our best practice!

Prayer

O God, may love and devotion for the church's worship and witness remain forever true in us. Amen.

About the Author Felix Carrion is Coordinator of The Stillspeaking Ministry, United Church of Christ.

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