A House of Prayer

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard it. Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, ‘Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations”? But you have made it a den of robbers.’ And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. Then Peter remembered and said to him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.’ Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and thrown into the sea”, and if you do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you. So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ‘Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.’ Mark 11:12-26

The temple in Jerusalem was overrun with those who would make a profit on the poor people who came to pray and seek a blessing. Folks would give their food money so that could have the proper offering. Unscrupulous religious leaders and the money changers gained huge profits. It was what we call a scam today. Jesus knew that the only offering we need to bring is a humble and contrite heart. God's and blessing do not have a cost. They are free to everyone. Jesus cleansed the temple so that the barriers and the restrictions to a house of prayer. God's love made available to all, wealthy and poor, strong and week, local and foreigner alike. May we make sure there are no barriers to God's love today.

Loving Creator, who made and welcomes all

we have been blessed by your love always

you create sacred, beautiful, holy places

that bring us ever closer to your heart.

We who are blessed by your mercy

often turn away the stranger in need

for fear, we say we have rules and morals

when if fact we are selfish and greedy.

Give us humble and contrite hearts today

so we might approach you with humility

so that we might embrace the stranger

and share your love as we pray for your peace together. Amen.