Holy Monday – Event 1 – A People’s Fruitless Faith
The nation of Israel had failed to exercise their faith in Jesus. They were professing to be fruitful/faithful (waving palm leaves as He entered their city), yet the Jewish people were fruitless (non-productive) in practicing their faith. Within a few days of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, they would deny their King and crucify Him.

Holy Monday – Event 2 – A Temple Cleansed
The Temple cleaning. This second cleansing occurred during Jesus’ final week before His crucifixion. The 30-minute journey from Bethany to Jerusalem provided Jesus the time to reflect on how the city had changed. In the past two years, some had forgotten whose house the Temple was. Commercialism and greed had altered the character of the Temple. Temple money was used to purchase sacrifices—this was subject to extortion. Jesus chose to clean out the Temple one last time. In righteous indignation, “He who comes in the name of the Lord,” overturned the money-changers’ tables and benches in the outer court of the Gentiles. Having heard the commotion, the courtyard was in chaos. Yet those who had needs did not hesitate, nor did the children. First, the blind and lame came when they heard Jesus was in the Temple. As the children saw Jesus standing there and teaching, they began to shout again, “Hosanna, Hosanna, to the Son of David.” There was nothing the Pharisees could do to stop Jesus as the Messiah. “Jesus replied, ‘Have you never read, From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?”  Matthew 21:16

A Thought to Remember
“Do you realize that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you – for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart.” –St. Therese’ of Lisieux

My Response
O Jesus, may I always have praise for you no matter my situation. Holy Spirit, renew my faith into action that it may be fruitful and beneficial to those in need. May my voice be ready at any time to give the gift of the Gospel. May my heart be filled with the heart of Christ, and may my mind be filled with the wisdom of God. AMEN.