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Friday, November 18, 2011

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Dedication of the Churches of
Sts. Peter & Paul
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne


1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59
1 Chronicles 29:10-12
Luke 19:45-48

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happy anniversary!

"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." —1 Maccabees 4:59

We remember anniversaries of both good and bad events. The Maccabees celebrated "the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled" the Temple (1 Mc 4:54). "On that very day it was reconsecrated with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals. All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven" (1 Mc 4:54-55). Have you ever thought of celebrating the anniversary of when you defiled the temple of your body (see 1 Cor 6:19) through sin? Maybe five years ago, you fell into adultery or fornication. Possibly you were hurt by someone two years ago. You responded to this with unforgiveness and bitterness. Maybe you stopped going to church twenty-five years ago.

It is time to celebrate the anniversary of your sin, of defiling your temple. You do this by repenting, going to Confession, and reconsecrating your life and bodily temple to God (1 Mc 4:54). Give your life to God, prostrate yourself before Him, adore and praise Him (1 Mc 4:55). Although you are celebrating the anniversary of a bad event, it's a great celebration made joyful by your repentance from sins and total commitment to Jesus. You can rejoice with all the saints and angels in heaven over one sinner who has repented (Lk 15:7, 10). Happy anniversary!

Prayer:  Father, by repentance, may I let You turn even my sins to the good (Rm 8:28).

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

Praise:  The American Indians called St. Rose "woman-who-prays-always" (see Lk 18:1).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Bishop-Elect, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 26, 2011 (for 10-1-2011 through 11-29-2011) and May 26, 2011 (for 11-30-2011)

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