Essay 4: THE MATTER OF MONEYCHANGERS

“By breathing into the nostrils the atmosphere and at the same time drawing into the mind the name of Jesus Christ, we are taking in both mental and physical breaths…. It expels the money changers or our sordid notions, by its mystic body which is now within us when we inspire it.” (Esoteric Philosophy page 8:2)

As spiritual beings having a human experience here on earth, we are beset on every side by distractions, desires, requirements, and elements of race consciousness standing in the way of our native “I”-ness or closest intimate union with God through Jesus Christ. Our “temple” or highest Christ-Self is often surrounded by what we want, what we think we must do to get it, and the trade-offs of everyday life.

The “moneychangers” in life are those points of attachment, earthly passions, hypnosis of our own senses and perceived obligations that create the frenzy of activity, both mental and physical, that hide from us our True Temple, ever still and complete, beyond our own thoughts and ideas.

When Jesus made His scourge of cords to cleanse His Father’s Temple, he demonstrated just how stubborn, base, pervasive and unconscious some of these moneychangers can be. The scourge that Jesus used was primarily directed at the animals that were being sold outside the temple. The “animal” consciousness in us is a fundamental, eons-old strategy of survival, safety, and herd mentality, where all our ancient fears live, far below the level of our awareness. This “animal” consciousness is unruly, unpredictable and does not respond to reason. Consequently, it takes a strenuous effort and the command of ChristLove to move it out of our way.

Those and that in the world that would control and extend the “animal” consciousness in mankind are truly the “den of thieves,” as they would steal the Divine birthright of those who would cleanse and reclaim their temples by keeping them intent on the world, its inherent duality and the excitement of its ever-changing focus and direction. The Romans called this activity “bread and circuses,” as the arenas of life, both literal and figurative, created a sensory overload that was irresistible to the “animal” consciousness of its citizens.

Only Truth can drive out the moneychangers. Truth is the scourge that drives out the animals and overturns the tables of error and false gods (little lords) so that the temple is cleansed and restored on our consciousness.

The moneychangers would have us believe that the way into the temple is through the material with all its attendant busyness, excitement, duality, and activity. All the while, as Emerson noted, “The Truth lies in smiling repose.” That mighty temple that lies within us has never been disturbed, restricted, changed or diminished in any way. It is untouchable and unmovable Good and requires only that we look toward It, our Native Home. This “turning and looking” as Emma describes, scourges the “animal” consciousness, and overturns the tables of the material, cleansing our own inner temple and revealing “the new Heaven and new earth.”