... Reflections

Title: “GIVE UTMOST REVERENCE TO THE SACRED NATURE OF THE CHURCH.”
Quote: Jn 2:13-25
Date: Sunday, 3rd March, 2024
Author: Rev. Fr. Clement Quagraine

Beloved, awareness of our surroundings must guide our behaviour, particularly within the church. What might be deemed acceptable in other environments—such as the workplace, market, home, or school—may not align with the standards expected within the sacred space of the Church. Actions that appear harmless elsewhere can be viewed as scandalous when enacted within these sacred walls. Consider the incident in John's gospel (John 2:13-25), where Jesus, witnessing profane activities in the temple, expressed righteous anger. Money changers and traders were expelled from the temple for conducting worldly business within His Father’s House. The priests, entrusted with sacred duties, were complicit in these dishonourable transactions, prioritizing profit over reverence. While our actions may not mirror these scandalous examples, engaging in mundane activities such as eating, drinking, using phones, and playing profane music within the church desecrates its sanctity. Such behaviours set a detrimental example, especially for vulnerable young observers, who may mimic what they see without understanding the gravity of their actions. Let us, therefore, uphold the sacredness of the Church through our attitudes and actions, honouring the reverence owed to this holy sanctuary.