Holy Week Journey
In many ways, Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week are just as pivotal to the story as the other more commonly known days. Monday is the day we remember the moment Jesus cleared out the Temple of the moneychangers, who were cheating those who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover. These corrupt moneychangers were literally overcharging those pilgrims using an exchange rate that was only beneficial to the moneychangers. Jesus was angered by the practice and used his righteous indignation to right the wrongs being done. He tossed their tables and drove them out of the temple with a whip. We rarely see Jesus angry in the New Testament. But we see that anger expressed here. It's an invitation to all who see injustice to move in ways to end and expel those injustices the best ways we can.
Tuesday of Holy Week is a remembrance of Jesus going up to the Mount of Olives to pray and to give his Olivet Discourse, speaking of the Second Coming and the destruction of the Temple. He had angered many religious leaders through his triumphal entry into the city and his clearing of the moneychangers from the temple. These religious leaders wanted to trap Jesus and arrest him. Jesus knew what their plan was, and he went to the Mount of Olives to pray and speak to those he took with him up the mount. He needed that prayer and focusing time for strength for the rest of his journey.
That’s a lot of activity for two days, but we know these events are critical moments in the story of Jesus and the last week of his life.
Maybe we can all take a few moments to think of ways we can foster justice and peace in our world. Maybe it’s also time to think of ways we have betrayed our faith. Take this week to pray, focus on the journeys we have taken in our faith, and commit to doing the things we must to remain faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Grace and Peace –
PK
