Gospel for today - November 9, 2011

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

G O S P E L

 

The Temple in Jerusalem had become a major place of commerce due to the pilgrims’ need to buy the sacred and approved animals for the sacrifices. No pagan coins were allowed in the Temple either, so their money had to be exchanged for Temple money at exorbitant exchange rates. All this turned the Temple from a place of prayer into a money-making racket and rightly aroused Jesus’ wrath.

 

ALLELUIA

R: Alleluia, alleluia

I have chosen and consecrated this house, says the Lord, that my name may be there forever.

R: Alleluia, alleluia

 

John 2: 13-22 (or Luke 19:1-10)

13 Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. 15 He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, 16and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” 17 His disciples recalled the words of scripture, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 22 Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.