How is Lent helping us pay attention to how we live in the presence of God?

This week’s theme is a big one – how do we live in the presence of God? The reading from Exodus – the Decalogue or the 10 commandments - is all about how one lives in the presence of God. As you read those commandments what kind of picture are you offered about how we might show love or devotion to God?
Our gospel is John’s version of the clearing of the Temple. And there are big differences between how John tells this story and how Matthew, Mark and Luke do. One difference is that this story is placed right at the beginning of Jesus ministry, not at the end. It sets the tone for what happens next rather than being the reason for Jesus’ arrest and execution. Another difference is that John is less concerned about the corruption in the temple and more about making a huge theological point – that the glory/presence of God is no longer to be expected in the temple, but in the person of Jesus – the Word made flesh. As  you read this story what kind of picture are you offered about how we might show love or devotion to God in Jesus the Word?

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