1Mc.4:36-37, 52-59 | Ps. 1Chr. 29:10-12 | Lk. 19:45-48

Today we are called to rejoice in the fact that we have places in which to worship.  We are to be grateful for these places and to give thanks for them.  Macabees calls us to realize that our places of worship are to be honored and not allow them to be desecrated.  Jesus is concerned about this as well.  When Jesus finds people abusing the temple, He takes steps to be sure that the people come to know how wrong their actions are.  He reminds them that the Temple is God’s house of prayer.  Jesus continued to preach in the Temple despite the fact that the Pharisees and leaders of the people were angry with Him and were trying to do Him in.

Be grateful for the places of worship in your midst.  Consider how you view these holy places.  How respectful are you of God’s presence within these holy places?  Spend time in quiet prayer in your church.  Help others develop a greater respect for the Church.