We can imagine the emotional state Jesus was in when He drove out all who were busy trading in the temple. He rightly did this because the temple is a place for prayer and worship. The abuse of the temple for business is a serious crime, and Prophet Jeremiah decried the temple's profanation (cf. Jer 7:9-10).

The first reading reflects Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 3:1) and the command for John (Rev 10:9). They were told to eat the scroll! The idea is that God's messenger must take God's message into his life (even while consuming it)!

Secondly, both sweet and bitter taste has their own connotations. It is said to be sweet because it is a great thing to be chosen as the messenger of God, but the message itself can be bitter, for it may involve great sacrifices!

The Paschal mystery that the life of Jesus reveals helps us reflect on these two dimensions of our Christian life.

Often, we are drawn closer to God in times of trials and difficulties. Let us continue to seek God even in our 'darkness'.

In the Gospel, the religious leaders of Jerusalem opposed Jesus, whereas the people hung on to His words. What a contrasting response and reaction to what Jesus said and did!