Modern-day money changers

 

Personal reflection:

These are the modern day money changers in God’s House. 

We need to emphasize the value of prayer and condemn the misuse of sacred spaces. 

God’s House is for worship not for money-making; for prayer not for profit.

Expel the Quick Response (QR) codes, the modern day den of thieves.

We are supposed to scan them with our phones to make simply a monetary donation, but are we the ones being scammed by depriving of us of making it a prayerful offering during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

From Virtual Catechism Hub:

During the Offertory, when the bread, wine, and offerings are brought to the altar, something much deeper is happening than just a collection or preparation.

The Offertory is a sacred moment when the Church, that includes you and me, brings our gifts, sacrifices, prayers, and lives to God.

The bread and wine represent more than physical items. They symbolize:

The work of our hands

Our daily struggles and joys

Our total offering to God

The priest says:

“Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation…” — offering them to the Father on our behalf.

It is not just his prayer; it is ours too.

Just as Jesus offered Himself completely to the Father, we too are invited to place our whole selves on the altar, to be united with Christ’s perfect sacrifice in the Eucharist.

In early Christianity, the faithful would bring bread, wine, food, or goods for the poor, showing that the Offertory is both spiritual and charitable.

So next time the gifts are being brought forward, silently pray:

“Lord, I offer You my heart, my struggles, my joys, and all that I am.”

Saint Joseph pray for us.

Saint Bonaventure pray for us.