Our king wears a crown of thorns, not a crown of gold. His glory is not in riches but in suffering. His law is written in his own blood, shed for the love of us. Do we understand the gift that it is, to be subject to such a king?
Jesus’ words today are filled with fire and brimstone, vivid with images of pain, suffering, confusion — and, ultimately, peace. Do we believe what he promises? Do we have the endurance to stay with him until the end?
You are the temple of God,” Paul tells us. But in today's Gospel reading, we see how easily even temple areas become corrupted. Jesus, purge the greed and selfishness from our hearts. Make them fit dwellings for your Holy Spirit.