The Cleansing Of The Soul
by Kelly Miyamura, Elder
Matthew 21: 12-13 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” He said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday. Jesus enters into Jerusalem claiming His kingship while riding on a donkey, not the steed of a victorious general, but of a humble servant. The juxtaposition of power and weakness in this moment beautifully encapsulates the profound message of the Gospel––that we are saved not through strength but through weakness and by Godʻs amazing grace.
Some people call the day after Palm Sunday as Holy Monday, when we read about Jesus entering the temple courts, overturning the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. The money changers were making it hard for common people to access God and in some cases exploiting those coming to worship. The courts were filled with animals and merchants selling their goods and exchanging money. The scene was the antithesis of worship against the backdrop of the holiest of places. No one was focused on God.
In this moment we witness Jesusʻ righteous anger in a demonstrative way, and this scene is often referred to as “the cleansing of the temple.” Today believers in Christ are the church; we are the temple. In this season of Lent, as we prepare our hearts for Easter, we cleanse ourselves through fasting, making more room for God in our lives, finding ways to give Him more of our prayerful focus and attention.
One year I chose to fast from complaining. When I felt the urge to make a negative comment or vent my frustration, I tried to hold my tongue, suspend my judgment, and prayerfully ponder my emotions. This didn’t feel natural, but it certainly made me more aware of how my critical thoughts can sometimes lead me to dark places.
Even during tough times, I prayed to experience more joy and discovered that joy was never withheld from me. Fasting from my complaining had helped to clarify my vision and open up my spirit that’s often clogged with dissatisfaction and discouragement. It reminded me to pause and refocus my attention to the light all around me.
As we approach Easter, what are some of your reflections from this Lenten season? What new practices have given you life, or what has been most challenging for you to surrender? Whether through prayer, through fasting, or through worship, let us continue to empty ourselves and cleanse our souls so the Spirit of God can dwell fully within us and flow powerfully through us.
Prayer: Jesus, we praise and worship You as our King, our Savior, our Deliverer. Thank You for Your grace and for Your power made perfect in our weakness. Cleanse us, Lord, of anything that keeps us from a deeper and stronger relationship with You. Amen.
