Catholic Identity

Gospel Reflection

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Summary

In this passage, Jesus visits the Temple in Jerusalem and finds people selling animals and exchanging money inside. He becomes angry because they are turning a holy place into a marketplace. Jesus makes a whip out of cords and drives out the sellers, overturning their tables. He says, “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” The people question His authority, asking for a sign. Jesus responds, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” They misunderstand Him, thinking He’s talking about the physical building, but Jesus is really speaking about His body — foreshadowing His death and resurrection.

This story reminds us that God’s presence is sacred, and we must treat it — and our hearts — with reverence and honesty. Jesus shows passion for true worship and challenges us to keep our hearts focused on God, not distractions or selfish motives.

Scripture – John 2:13–22

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, both 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!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Reflection

This story can feel intense — Jesus flipping tables and driving people out! But it shows His deep love and passion for God’s presence and for people’s hearts to be pure. Sometimes we let our lives become cluttered, just like the Temple. We fill them with busyness, pride, or distractions that push God to the side. Jesus’ actions remind us that our hearts are meant to be a home for God — not filled with noise, but with prayer, peace, and purpose.

His challenge isn’t just about the Temple building — it’s about us. Jesus wants to “clear out” anything that stops us from living with honesty, love, and faith.

What “distractions” or “clutter” sometimes fill your heart and make it hard to focus on God or what really matters?
How can you make your life — your words, actions, and choices — a place where God feels at home?
Jesus showed strong passion for what was right. What is something you feel passionate about that reflects God’s love or truth?
What might Jesus want to “turn over” or change in your life to help you grow closer to Him?

Prayer

Loving God

You remind us that our hearts are sacred places made for Your presence. Help us to clear out anything that distracts us from loving You and others. Give us courage to stand up for what is right, like Jesus did in the Temple. May our lives be filled with peace, honesty, and purpose, and may our actions always show our love for You.

Amen.

Sacrament of Reconciliation 2025

This term, preparations will begin for the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Kilian’s Parish. Reconciliation is an important step in the faith journey of our students, offering them the opportunity to experience God’s love, forgiveness and mercy in a special way.

The program is led by the St Kilian’s Parish Sacramental Team and supported by the school. Families have received information about the program, including the enrolment form, schedule and requirements. Forms may be returned to either the school office or the parish office.

Key Dates:

Session 3: Wednesday 5 November, 6:30–7:15 pm
Celebration of the Sacrament: Wednesday 12 November, 6:30 pm

If you would like further information, please contact me at mpodosky@skbendigo.catholic.edu.au or see me in person in the office.

We look forward to supporting our children and families as they prepare for this special sacrament.