John 3:13-16

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, with the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!”

Prayer

Almighty God, thank You for the gift of emotion. There are times when my emotions get the better of me. Help me to be mindful of that possibility, yet grateful for the power of emotions. In the fully human life of Jesus Christ, You show me that anger is a part of being human. Help me to pay attention to when that anger is necessary and constructive and when it is foolish and destructive. Guide me to take notice of the ways people hurt others and the ways that some twist Your message of love for their profit. Strengthen me to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves and empower me to show Your love without reservation. Amen.