Daily Readings - Fri Nov 19 2021
1 Maccabees
36Then Judas and his brothers said: "Behold, our enemies have been crushed. Let us go up now to cleanse and renew the holy places.37And all the army gathered together, and they ascended to Mount Zion52And they arose before the morning, on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, (which is the month of Kislev) in the one hundred and forty-eighth year53And they offered sacrifice, according to the law, on the new altar of holocausts that they made54According to the time and according to the day, on which the Gentiles had contaminated it, on the same day, it was renewed with canticles, and lutes, and lyres, and cymbals55And all the people fell upon their faces, and they adored, and they blessed, toward heaven, him that had prospered them56And they kept the dedication of the altar for eight days, and they offered holocausts with joy, and sacrifices of salvation and praise57And they adorned the face of the temple with crowns of gold and small shields. And they dedicated the gates and the adjoining chambers, and they set up doors on them58And there was very great rejoicing among the people, and the disgrace of the Gentiles was averted59And Judas, and his brothers, and all the assembly of Israel decreed that the day of the dedication of the altar must be kept in its time, from year to year, for eight days, from the twenty-fifth day of the month of Kislev, with joy and gladness
Luke
45And entering into the temple, he began to cast out those who sold in it, and those who bought46saying to them: "It is written: ‘My house is a house of prayer.’ But you have made it into a den of robbers.47And he was teaching in the temple daily. And the leaders of the priests, and the scribes, and the leaders of the people were seeking to destroy him48But they could not find what to do to him. For all the people were listening to him attentively
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the significance of sacred spaces and the importance of purity within them. The first reading from 1 Maccabees recounts the rededication of the Temple after its desecration, highlighting the people's joy and commitment to their faith. The Gospel from Luke shows Jesus cleansing the Temple, emphasizing its role as a house of prayer, not commerce. Both narratives underscore the need to maintain the sanctity of sacred spaces, whether physical or spiritual.
The context of these readings reveals their historical and spiritual depth. The Maccabean Revolt was a fight against oppression, culminating in the Temple's restoration, which became a symbol of resilience and faith. Similarly, Jesus' action in the Temple during His final week in Jerusalem was a bold statement against corruption, foreshadowing His crucifixion. These events call us to reflect on our own sacred spaces—our hearts, minds, and places of worship.
In our daily lives, we are challenged to ensure our 'temples' remain pure. This involves regular prayer, reflection, and aligning our actions with God's will. Just as the Temple was restored, we must continually work on our spiritual restoration, creating a sacred space within where God's presence can dwell. The moral lesson is clear: integrity and purity in our spiritual lives are essential, guiding us to honor God in all we do.