We as Catholics believe that Jesus is not just a symbol but the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist [ doctrine of transubstantiation, John 6; Luke 22 and Luke 24 ]. This is why we genuflect coming into and out of church with the Blessed Sacrament is in the tabernacle.
Reverence in Church is so important. Some define it as complete silence to the extreme. Some have chats and seem to ignore the presence of Jesus in their midst. There is a middle ground when the the Holy Spirit moves me. A kind word to someone who has lost their spouse or encouragement to survivor of breast cancer. This is not only showing respect to our Lord and Savior but in doing so you are His hands and voice giving comfort to His people.
Our first reading is from the Book of First Maccabees which was written 100 years before Christ was born. It describes the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian exile. The promises of Abraham and the reign of the kingship of David seemed to be far away but the Temple being rebuilt was encouraging.
The people of Israel were undergoing a renewal of those promises with the rededication and purification of the Temple in Jerusalem. The celebration is what is celebrated by the eight days of Hanukkah which is celebrated in December. I know what you are thinking why are we talking about this now because we a country have not even celebrated Thanksgiving. We are already seeing houses with Christmas decorations in abundance. Well, you can put your dreidels away till next month.
Don’t skip ahead. Go ahead and enjoy this Thanksgiving with family and friends.
What the Church is trying to tell us as our liturgical year approaches an end, is that our focus should be Jesus. This coming Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King and the last Sunday before Advent.
The Holy Mother Church is saying we have the real presence in our own Churches , the Savior of the World who is Jesus Christ. This should be a cause of celebration every day of the week. In the Gospel of Luke today speaks of Jesus, ” and every day He was teaching in the temple area. “
In summary our readings today reinforce the awesome and humbling recognition that the Lord of Hosts is present before us. We hear the Gospel proclaimed .It strengthens my soul to be present and knowing our future is secure in that divine realization that the Lord is there with us.
Jesus is in our Churches every day. Part of the Psalm today says ” You have dominion over all, In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.” May we all be bathed in His presence today.
God Bless You Always
Bob Burford
