REFLECTIONS TODAY

The Jerusalem Temple stands at the center of the Jewish national consciousness. Pilgrimages are done here, especially during the “pilgrim feasts” of Passover, Pentecost, and Booths. It is a “house of prayer” where sacrifices are offered. There are porticoes where rabbis teach their disciples. 
During his visit in Jerusalem for the Passover festival, Jesus also teaches in the Temple area. But before that, he “cleanses” the area of those selling things because they turn the holy place into a “den of thieves” (v 46). This angers the chief priests and other prominent leaders, for the merchants sell things needed for the sacrifice. Do they also feel alluded to among the “thieves”? Anyhow, they seek to put Jesus to death, but cannot do so, since at this point people are hanging to the words of the rabbi from Nazareth.
 

First Reading • 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59 
Judas and his brothers said, “Now that our enemies have been crushed, let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it.” So the whole army assembled, and went up to Mount Zion. Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, that is, the month of Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-eight, they arose and offered sacrifice according to the law on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had made. On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled it, on that very day it was reconsecrated with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals. 

All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven, who had given them success. For eight days they celebrated the dedication of the altar and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of deliverance and praise. They ornamented the façade of the temple with gold crowns and shields; they repaired the gates and the priests’ chambers and furnished them with doors. 

There was great joy among the people now that the disgrace of the Gentiles was removed. Then Judas and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the dedication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness on the anniversary every year for eight days, from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev.
 

Gospel • Luke 19:45-48 
Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” And every day he was teaching in the temple area. 
The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.