dry cleaners
Jesus "entered the temple and began ejecting the traders." —Luke 19:45
Physically, we need to wash and take a shower or a bath every day. Likewise, we need Jesus to cleanse the temple of our body each day (1 Cor 6:19). We can let Him cleanse our temple in these four ways:
- Go to Confession, at least monthly. In this sacrament, we apply to our lives Jesus' blood, which is the most powerful cleansing agent.
- Fast at least weekly. Friday is the traditional fast day.
- Praise the Lord. There's something about an extended time of praising the Lord that clears away the dirt of confusion, fear, and stress. It refreshes us and builds us up (1 Cor 14:4).
- Hear God's word. Spending an extended time in God's word is like taking a spiritual bath (Eph 5:26).
Let Jesus cleanse your temple each day, so He will not have to cleanse you when the garbage has piled up. Let Him take out the garbage today. Be clean and pure as He is (1 Jn 3:3).
Prayer: Jesus, "thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me" (Ps 51:4).
Promise: "The entire populace was listening to Him and hanging on His words." —Lk 19:48
Praise: When Paul began going to Confession more frequently, he found his life less burdensome.
Reference: (Help others to be clean and pure by teaching the Bible. Order our audio or video tapes on the How to Teach the Bible series. Our six tape audio series starts with AV 117-1. Our three part video series starts with V-117.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 30, 2004
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 1, 2004