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). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College