TAKE ME BACK, LORD

“On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled [the Temple], on that very day it was reconsecrated…” —1 Maccabees 4:54

The worst day in the lives of the Jews in the times of the Maccabees was the day of the defilement of the Temple by the cruel tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Mc 1:54).

What was the worst day of your life? Many of us have had our bodies defiled by acts of violence, sexual sin, and perhaps other indignities. The memories of these events may fill us with great pain and dismay.

Jesus entered into Jerusalem and took back the Temple, cleansing it by driving out what defiled it (Mt 21:12). The Maccabees re-purified the Temple, getting rid of the idolatrous objects which had defiled it (1 Mc 4:43). Yet more than simply purifying the Temple, the Maccabees also reclaimed the bad memory. They transformed the awful day of defeat and defilement by rededicating the Temple on that very same day a few years later (1 Mc 4:54).

Your body is a temple also, “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19). Perhaps God is calling you to make a special act of consecration on the anniversary of your worst day. Dedicate yourself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on that day. Give God lavish praise and thanks as did the Maccabees (1 Mc 4:54-55). Let God transform your worst into your best.

Prayer: Father, I can’t let go of these wounds. Take them away. Deliver me from evil, and transform everything to the good (Rm 8:28). Be glorified in the Temple of my body (1 Cor 6:20).

Promise: “The entire populace was listening to Him and hanging on His words.” —Lk 19:48

Praise: Each year, Gloria reconsecrates herself to chastity on the anniversary of losing her virginity.