Disturbance in our Hearts; Authentic Desire

Third Sunday of Lent

07 March 2021 

 

First Reading:  EX 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Second Reading:  1 COR 1:22-25

Gospel:  JN 2:13-25

 

Reflection

By: Emerson C. Maala

 

While we were having breakfast, our Spiritual Director took our attention to remind us of too many left-over foods. He made us realize the lavish lifestyle of some of our brothers. He explained to us about the expenses and instead of that we were saving, we were wasting the generosity of the people and the grace of God being poured upon us. Then he left us a question, "Is that your authentic desire?" The question resonated in my ears. I was disturbed by what our community has done about these things. We talked about it for us to come up with resolutions so that we would be able to save and use all our resources properly.

How would I become an effective pastor if my heart has inauthentic desires? If I was just thinking about myself and not the others? How would I be able to do service if I was selfish? With that disturbance, I was able to go back to my orientation. I realized  that this was not my authentic desire. It only gives me temporary joy.

In the Gospel, Jesus shows Himself in a strong prospect. Grudgingly, He drove away all the people making. His Father's temple like a market. Jesus knew the corrupt desire of each one present there, even the temple authority who only thinks for themselves. What Jesus show was not just cleansing but a replacement. He replaced the rotten hearts of the people full of inauthentic desires with a heart full of authenticity. "Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up."

In this time of Lent, Jesus reminded us about our authentic desire. Authentic means lasting that can bring us and lead us closer to Him. For us to see our authentic desire, sometimes we need a disturbance in our hearts so that we might purify our motivations to reveal what our desire authentically. For it is only through authentic desires that will bring us closer to God and with a pure heart to see Him.

 

Prayer

 

God our Father, make us see what our authentic desires is, that gives us permanent joy. Help us to desire what is pleasing to you and not what is pleasing for ourselves, in order for us to serve You and others. We ask this through Your Son Jesus Christ, who lives in our hearts forever and ever. Amen.