John’s Gospel (2:13-25) today shows us that indeed Jesus was fully human. We see Jesus consumed with the human emotion of anger. I guess we could say that on this day in the Temple, Jesus had a “bad day.” We’ve all had “bad days” and we have all lost our temper. For most of us, we were taught that anger is a negative emotion and we should not exhibit it. But there are times when anger is justified—and should be expressed. This may seem to go against the tide of what we call our “Christian attitude” of forgiveness, prudence and charity.

On this day in the Temple the circumstances—all of which we do not know—got the best of Jesus and He became mad—angry—and “charged through the Temple, overturning tables. Why did Jesus become angry? He saw His Father’s house not being respected as a house of worship but rather as a
gathering place for commerce. In today’s culture this may not seem like such a big deal. After all, we have—as a culture—allowed the Church to become just another gathering space when in fact it is the House of God and He, the Almighty Creator of the universe is present not only in the tabernacle but also in the
people gathered in His Name. Yet, for some, it has become
another “soccer field” to gather and chat. Let’s do a little self-analysis: How many people genuflect before sitting in their pew? How do we dress for Mass—are we respectful as if this celebration were something different and unique in our lives or do we dress as we would for cleaning the yard or playing a game of hoop? Do we really believe the God is present with us? After Mass what comprises our conversations and where do they take place…before the tabernacle or in the atrium? How would we define our respect in the Church? Part of the problem is our culture today—there is little respect for much of anything. Part of the problem is the make-up of the environment, icons and statues to draw us closer to God (we have added some to make us feel that we are in a divine place and not a profane place). Let’s face it, we have become a very casual society and it has invaded our sacred spaces.

Jesus shows us two things in today’s Gospel: first, He is fully human and fully divine; second, at times and when justified, anger is appropriate. There are times, political correctness not withstanding when we must stand-up for that is right—some things are still that important—and God chief among them. There are times when we must feel—and say—enough is enough! In this Lenten season let us remember that we have been given by God the gifts of His Holy Spirit and that Spirit guides us with prudence, charity and courage so that we can discern what and when justifiable anger is righteous—when we see something egregious and must stand up for what is truly appropriate and act accordingly. May we all discern these gifts of the Holy Spirit and use them in our lives—defending what is good and holy, and liv-ing our lives in right relationship with God and those around us.