This reflection will appear in the Lent 2008 devotional at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Atlanta.
This passage from Luke tugs at my heart. Jesus is frustrated by the inability of those around him to understand his message or who he is. And he is angry that our gifts to God have become an industry, a way for people to meet their sacrificial obligations, yet remain removed from the spiritual benefit of personal, heartfelt contributions to God.
When I donate to charity, in part I do so to help others. But, I must confess that it is also so I won't have to do the really hard work of those in the trenches fighting poverty and injustice. My list of good excuses is long. Yet, this passage makes me ask some tough questions of myself. Why does distance from the other offer me security?
I think too often we become like the people Jesus wanted to cleanse the temple of. We forget that Jesus came to shake us out of complacency and show us how to get our hands dirty.
My son often gives me offerings: play dough creations, brightly colored pictures, kisses and hugs. These moments fill me with joy because I recognize his pure spirit expressing his love. Only when our gift to one another is a love that overcomes our defenses, can the Holy Spirit dance between us.
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