Ex 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17
1 Cor 1:22-25
Jn 2:13-25

As I read and heard the readings for the Sunday March 15th, I wondered, “What difference has Lent made in my life this year?” In the first reading from Exodus, I wondered, “Are there ways in which I have built a golden calf rather than follow the lead of a God who is always there, but not always physically visible?” Is there a commandment that I most need to attend to in order to find the way back to my heart, where God will speak?

The gospel reading from John asks of me to look within to see what patterns in my life keep it from being a sanctuary, a place for God’s grace and energy to dwell? In the news today we are watching our golden calves fall, as well as those who have been considered the “high priests of our golden calves.” It is easy to make statements about “their greed and poor management,” however today’s readings give us a private opportunity to claim our part in making all things holy or not.

Lent invites me to face unabashedly those thoughts, patterns, activities that keep me from rooting myself in God’s grace and presence. It is often hard for me to acknowledge that which separates me from the Holy One. I hate to admit that I make choices away from love. Yet if I do not claim that need for the cleaning of my temple, I keep myself from is healing and transformation.

I still have time, I just need to say yes. Yes, to a God who wants nothing but my unity to a profound love. Yes God, yes!