Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

May 29, 2026

Harsh? Foreboding? Onerous? Both of today’s readings present very sobering reminders of the serious and tenuous nature of our salvation.

In particular, today’s gospel sees Jesus cursing the fig tree and admonishing the merchants in the temple, violently overturning their goods. That’s a lot of work for one day!

What did the poor fig tree do that required being cursed? Well, it did not bear fruit when it could have and should have, not unlike the hypocritical priests of the temple . . . all pretty leaves but no spiritual fruit. And then there were the moneychangers who not only brought no fruit but also desecrated the temple. So, Jesus uprooted their world.

These actions are not the more usual calming image of Jesus, the spotless lamb, the compassionate man who cried for Lazarus. Rather, this is a fiercely righteous Jesus who, understanding the gravity of man’s sinfulness and the importance of the temple in our salvation, has no time for self-indulgent hypocrisy and deceptions. He was letting us know that the situation is urgent and that if he does not have the time to waste, neither do we.

There are times for parables and soft speech, and there are times for unmistakable actions. The Father’s house is man’s only chance for salvation, and consequently, it is not to be toyed with.

And now that Jesus has everybody’s attention, with great authority, he describes true prayerfulness. If you pray with complete trust and believe, you will receive. That is a powerful promise. By destroying the market, he was lovingly protecting us, distracting us from the unimportant while prompting us to pray with greater conviction.

Prayer has now been restored in God’s house. When you are in God’s house, what do you pray for with true belief? What is it that you want to receive?

Prayer:

Merciful Father, all things are possible for those who believe. Please grant me the graces that I need to be a better believer.