Jesus Plays the Fool
A Reflection for the Third Sunday in Lent, Year B
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
A clown captivates a crowd of children. A comedian provokes side-splitting laughter from an audience. Jesus causes panic in the temple area. In all those situations foolish behavior is intentionally practiced by a master of his craft. Each person acts in a comedic way to draw the attention of others. While the clown and comedian are fools for the sake of laughter and glee, Jesus is a fool for the sake of another, far greater purpose.
In the outermost section of the Temple, known as the Gentiles’ court, imagine witnessing our beloved Lord threaten merchants and money changers. A large space structured well for the selling of sacrificial animals, Jesus condemns such activity there as unfit for his “Father’s house” (John 2:16). Beyond merely criticizing the commercialism found there, he succeeds in expelling animals and people alike, who have nowhere else to go besides into the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Jews in authority confront this religious fool who dares to upset everyone’s visit to the holiest place in Jerusalem. Jesus could have explained how all Gentiles (aka, anyone living apart from Judaism) deserve to hear the Good News of Salvation. Instead, however, he shares a somewhat enigmatic foretelling of his death and resurrection (John 2:19).
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, direct our hearts to the house of the Father. As we work toward a state of grace, may we humbly participate in the Sacred Liturgy. By our devotion to the Eucharist, we experience a supreme way of entrusting ourselves to you.
The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. (Ps.19:9; NABRE).
Sketch by Rembrandt van Rijn, "Christ Driving the Money Changers from the Temple" (1635, Dutch Republic)