Today is Pigeon Monday. Or at least that’s what I call it. Hopefully I’ll start a new trend! I call today Pigeon Monday because it seems Jesus had something against pigeons. That’s evident from the story about tearing up the Temple grounds.
On the Monday before Passover, Jesus entered the Temple grounds and unleashed some fury. It was always one of my favorite Bible stories when I was a kid. The vision of the Messiah overturning tables, driving people out, blocking people from bringing anything through the Temple … it was all so exciting compared to the meek and mild stuff I was told about Jesus on most Sundays. This was a God who would demand respect even in a junkyard!
Curiously, finding an image for this post is not easy. Many of them make Jesus look like an angry Clark Kent. Or angry at the livestock. Or focused on beating people. I guess it is hard to capture the moment. Can you imagine the chaos? Animals running loose, birds flying, cash scattered across the ground, people shouting. It must have been nuts.
The story continues to enchant me as I’ve grown older. I love a God who is willing to take risk and upset the status quo. Proclaiming truth while exacting justice is an image that inspires.
Still, it seems odd that the Messiah who was greeted with shouts of praise on Sunday would be turning over tables on Monday. What would trigger such a shift? Why go from the adored Messiah on Sunday to the feared rebel rouser on Monday?
Here’s something to consider. The story in Matthew and Mark both specifically mention Jesus going after the merchants who sold pigeons (or doves, depending on your translation).
Why the detail?
Pigeons were used as a sacrifice by those who could not afford to buy a lamb or other expensive livestock. The Mosaic laws specifically allowed this. The poorest of Israel retained their self-respect and felt included. They could participate in one of the most sacred rituals of their faith and know they were completely within the bounds of the law.
So why would Jesus go after those who traded in pigeons?
Perhaps it was because the men who sold the pigeons on the Temple grounds were taking advantage of the poor. Perhaps they kept prices high, knowing the poor had no choice but to pay. Perhaps this exploitation was particularly outrageous to Jesus. So outrageous his rage directed at the pigeon traders was the kind of passion the Gospel writers remembered years later. Jesus was willing to exchange any built up goodwill for the opportunity to make a statement on behalf of the poor and voiceless.
I like this Jesus. Bold, strong, willful … but acting on behalf of the weak, the poor, the oppressed.
On this Monday before Easter — this Pigeon Monday, as I call it — I aim to reflect on how my actions oppress the poor. And seek forgiveness.
Then I will reflect on how I might turn over a few tables and chairs.