Saint Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr
Friday of week 33 in Ordinary Time
Gospel – Luke 19:45-48
“‘According to scripture,’ he said ‘my house will be a house of prayer. But you have turned it into a robbers’ den.’” We transform the house of prayer into a robbers’ den when we approach even prayer for our selfish interests. Indeed, this passage from Luke highlights the importance of purity in our intentions, especially in the sacred act of prayer and worship. Jesus’ indignation at the temple being used for selfish gain reflects a deeper message about the purpose of spiritual spaces and practices: they are meant for communion with God, not for personal profit or ulterior motives. When we reduce prayer to a tool for solely obtaining what we want, we risk losing the essence of true connection with God. Genuine prayer is not about bargaining or solely presenting a list of desires; it is about opening our hearts to God, seeking His will, and aligning ourselves with His purpose. This passage challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our spiritual practices. By approaching prayer with humility and selflessness, we honor the sacredness of God’s “house”—not just the physical church but also the temple of our hearts. In doing so, we transform our spiritual life into what it is meant to be: a true house of prayer, not a robbers’ den. Let’s reflect: In what ways have I approached prayer or worship with selfish intentions, and how can I shift my heart toward seeking genuine communion with God and His purpose?
Don Giorgio