Friday 20^th November – Friday of week 33 of the year

Reflection: 1 Maccabees 4: 36-37, 52-59

RE-DEDICATE EACH DAY TO GOD

After a long yawn and stretch, people usually do their routine ‘wake up ritual’. For some it is a cup of coffee, for some it is some push-ups, for some it is a chapter of the bible and for others it is a few more minutes of sleep. One thing is common to all of them; each person is renewed and energized by these activities, and each person regards these activities necessary for a smooth day; whether they woke up on the wrong or right side of the bed.

In the same way, after the defeat of their enemies the Israelites rose at dawn and proceeded to Mount Zion to purify the temple; which had been profaned by their pagan enemies, and re-consecrate it to God. Do you know that you are the temple of the living God and there is no rooms for idols in it? (2 Corinthians 5: 16)

Dear friend, we can take the cue from Judas and his brothers in today’s first reading. Christ calls you each moment to draw life and strength from His redeeming grace.  All it takes is that we open our hearts in prayers and meditation; and that we strive to live out our Christian call in everything.

PRAYER: Dear God, strengthen and renew me each day to live according to your will. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 224 – Why did Christ give us the sacrament of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick?

Christ’s love is shown in the fact that he seeks the lost and heals the sick. That is why he gave us the sacraments of healing and restoration, in which we are freed from sin and strengthened in our physical and spiritual weakness.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Don’t let yourselves be shaped by the world where you live, but rather be transformed through the renewal of your mind. You must discern the will of God: what is good, what pleases, what is perfect.” Romans 12: 2 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: 1 Maccabees 4: 36-37, 52-59; 1 Chronicles 29: 10-11, 12; Luke 19: 45-48