Here, you will find a collection of reflections, guide questions, images and slide backgrounds — all crafted to enhance and elevate your celebration of the Third Sunday of Lent.
The Gist of John 2:13-25
Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem and finds people selling animals for sacrifices. He overturns the tables, expressing his displeasure at the commercial activities in the sacred space. Jesus also predicts his own resurrection, emphasizing the true significance of the temple as his body.
Cleanse the temple of your heart from the merchants of falsehood, so the presence of God may dwell within you.
St. Augustine
Digital Cleansing
Today’s reflection on John 2:13-25 takes us to a crucial aspect of our digital lives – the rampant spread of misinformation and fake news on social media. In this age of connectivity, our online spaces often mirror the chaotic marketplace that Jesus confronted.
As Jesus overturned tables, signaling a need for purification, let us recognize the clutter in our digital temples – the false narratives and misleading information that we encounter daily. Just as Jesus sought to restore the sanctity of the physical temple, we too must strive to cleanse our digital spaces from the contamination of misinformation.
In the age of viral content, discernment becomes our spiritual armor. We must question the narratives presented, fact-check, and ensure that our online interactions are grounded in truth. Jesus’ call to “destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” reminds us of the resilience needed to combat falsehoods, rising stronger through the pursuit of truth.
Be Truth-Bearers
The temple cleansing serves as a metaphor for us to be vigilant gatekeepers of our minds. Let us not passively consume information but critically evaluate it. Like Jesus understanding the hearts of people, may we discern the intentions behind the information we encounter.
In addressing the prevalence of misinformation on social media, we’re challenged to be truth-bearers. Share authentic stories, be a source of reliable information, and cultivate a culture of truth in your digital interactions. As we cleanse our digital temples, let the true currency of truth guide our online presence, fostering a space that reflects the light of honesty, integrity, and discernment.
Reflective Questions for Spiritual Growth
- What aspects of your online presence might need cleansing, and how can you contribute to fostering a more positive and authentic environment on social media?
- How can you cultivate a discerning mindset to navigate the influx of information on social media, ensuring that you engage with content that aligns with truth and empathy?
- In response to the prevalence of misinformation and fake news, what practical steps can you take to become a source of reliable information within your social media circles?
In our pursuit of truth, we must cleanse our intellectual temple from the debris of misinformation. Only then can we build a foundation rooted in God’s wisdom.
Blessed John Henry Newman
Free Social Images & Slides to Share
Feel free to download and share the following images on your social media platforms. Slide backgrounds are available for use in various presentation tools such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, and others:
