Jesus was a bike mechanic

Yesterday while installing some new fenders on my bicycle, I ran into a minor difficulty. I thought I had all the tools necessary, but not realizing I would have to remove the rear rack first, I was short one precious instrument. It wouldn't have been a problem if I was at home - for I have a fairly deep set of bike-specific tools there - but I was at my office where only architectural modeling accouterments are found. A #10 metric box wrench was what I needed but where would I find one? It seemed that my project would have to wait for another day. However, searching the model shop I came across a 3/8" wrench. It wasn't quite right, but perhaps I could make it work.

This is the situation in today's gospel reading. We find Jesus coming to the Jerusalem temple and he finds the merchants using the wrong wrench for the job. At the bike shop it is imperative to use the correct tool to get the job done right and we're adamant that mechanics be good stewards of the resources. If you use a #10  spanner instead of a #10 wrench, although they are the same size, you're liable to ruin it. It's just not made to do that work. So it's no wonder the Christ is furious when he sees the vendors extorting the pilgrims. The cattle, sheep, and doves sold for sacrifice are not the appropriate means to worship god.

God doesn't need our sacrifices - only a sacrifice of love. The divine cannot be bought - neither with money nor goods - but we act as if money can buy us healing, love, and relationships. And that's what drives Jesus crazy, so he drives a wrench into their works. He knows it's not the right tool for the job.

Approaching the bike, I too thought, "No, this isn't right," and pressed to locate the appropriate tool. Eventually I found one, and with the right tool in hand, the work was completed easily and successfully. The right tool for the job is love. We are made for love just like that nut securing my rack was made for a #10 wrench. The wrong one always brings us to ruin. Listen to Jesus, he was a pretty good wrench monkey, he knows that love is what it takes.

love, always,

pia