Daily Readings - Fri Nov 22 2019
Luke
45And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;46Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.47And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,48And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we reflect on the theme of purification and dedication, both physically and spiritually. The first reading from 1 Maccabees recounts the rededication of the Temple after its desecration by foreign rulers. The people, led by Judas, purify the Temple, restoring its sacredness through sacrifice and celebration, an event commemorated as Hanukkah. This story underscores the importance of preserving sacred spaces and the joy in reclaiming what is holy.
In the Gospel, Luke describes Jesus cleansing the Temple by driving out merchants, emphasizing that the Temple should be a house of prayer, not a place of commerce. Jesus' actions critique the corruption that had seeped into the Temple, calling for a return to its true purpose. This spiritual cleansing highlights the need for purity in our worship and lives.
Both readings connect through the theme of cleansing the Temple, illustrating the enduring importance of maintaining sacredness. The Maccabees' physical restoration and Jesus' spiritual renewal remind us to guard our personal temples—our hearts and lives—from corruption. We are called to dedicate ourselves to God, ensuring our actions and intentions remain pure and focused on worship.
In our daily lives, this means cleansing our hearts from sin and distractions, creating space for prayer and devotion. Just as the Temple required vigilance, we must continually renew our commitment to God, standing against injustice and corruption. Let us strive to be temples of the Holy Spirit, living with integrity and dedication, reflecting God's light in our world.