Cleansing the Temple

Come to your Temple here with liberation
And overturn these tables of exchange
Restore in me my lost imagination
Begin in me for good, the pure change.
Come as you came, an infant with your mother,
That innocence may cleanse and claim this ground
Come as you came, a boy who sought his father
With questions asked and certain answers found,
Come as you came this day, a man in anger
Unleash the lash that drives a pathway through
Face down for me the fear the shame the danger
Teach me again to whom my love is due.
Break down in me the barricades of death
And tear the veil in two with your last breath.

-- Malcolm Guite (1954- ), English theologian, priest, poet, musician, and songwriter

Scripture Reference: John 2:13-22 (Third Sunday in Lent B)

Image: Peter Koenig, Jesus Cleansing the Temple