Making room

Matthew 21:12

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.

No room for the poor

who couldn't afford the temple taxes

or acquire the right kind of offerings

No room for the sick

who might defile the space for others

No room for the sinners

who might dilute the righteousness

No room for the lonely

who might carry the expectation of community

Jesus entered the temple

and cleared the space

making room for those

who wanted to pray.

And what of our sanctuaries today?

Is there a place for those who could use some care

Those who don't sit still for very long

Those who interrupt

Those who are confused

Those who need our patience 

as we sit with them in welcome

Those who do not contribute

except by affording us the opportunity

to welcome and embrace.

Is there a place

for the poor and the lonely

for the sick and the hurting

for the righteous and the sinner

Is there a place for prayer?

Matthew 21:13

He said to them, “It is written,

‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’;

but you are making it a den of robbers.”