Daily Retreat 11/23/07
2007 Nov 23 Fri/ Clement I, pp, mt/ Columban, ab, ms/ Bl Miguel Augustín Pro, p, r, mt
1 Mc 4:3-37. 52-59/ 1 Chr 29:10bcd. 11abc. 11d-12a. 12bcd/ Lk 19:45-48
From today’s readings: “All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven, who had given them success.... We praise Your glorious name, O mighty God.... Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things....”
The Feast of Dedication in the Holy House of Prayer
After a string of victories, Judas Maccabee and his brothers were able to re-claim the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been defiled by King Antiochus, who had introduced the worship of Zeus there. The Temple is then purified and re-dedicated; this event is commemorated annually in the Jewish eight day Feast of Dedication (which Jesus took part in, cf. John 10:22), and is better known today as Hanukkah, the joyful Festival of Lights, which takes place near Christmas (this year, it begins at sunset on the 4th of December).
The Gospel too, treats of the cleansing of the Temple (this time, from the profanation of mercantile interests, instead of pagan cults) and the Lord’s insistence that it be known as a House of Prayer. Meditating on these readings, perhaps you’ll be inspired to step forward to beautify your local church with your own prayers, and take part in the festive spirit of your House of Prayer by organizing a “Cleansing of the Temple” and assisting with ornaments and repairs in preparation for the Holy Days (from which we get the word “Holidays”).
1 Mc 4:3-37. 52-59/ 1 Chr 29:10bcd. 11abc. 11d-12a. 12bcd/ Lk 19:45-48
From today’s readings: “All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven, who had given them success.... We praise Your glorious name, O mighty God.... Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things....”
The Feast of Dedication in the Holy House of Prayer
After a string of victories, Judas Maccabee and his brothers were able to re-claim the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been defiled by King Antiochus, who had introduced the worship of Zeus there. The Temple is then purified and re-dedicated; this event is commemorated annually in the Jewish eight day Feast of Dedication (which Jesus took part in, cf. John 10:22), and is better known today as Hanukkah, the joyful Festival of Lights, which takes place near Christmas (this year, it begins at sunset on the 4th of December).
The Gospel too, treats of the cleansing of the Temple (this time, from the profanation of mercantile interests, instead of pagan cults) and the Lord’s insistence that it be known as a House of Prayer. Meditating on these readings, perhaps you’ll be inspired to step forward to beautify your local church with your own prayers, and take part in the festive spirit of your House of Prayer by organizing a “Cleansing of the Temple” and assisting with ornaments and repairs in preparation for the Holy Days (from which we get the word “Holidays”).
posted by FrPitstick | 11/21/2007
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