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Do religious people know how to celebrate?
Well, consider this reading, which describes the first observance of the Jewish feast of Hanukkah. For eight days, the Israelites are caught up in an ecstasy of joy at the Jerusalem Temple—singing, praying, playing instruments, and even happily doing building repairs. They have good reason to rejoice: After a forty-year war against a harshly repressive ruler, they have finally regained their independence.
The earlier chapters of 1 Maccabees introduced the main players in this struggle. Heading the list of villains is King Antiochus Epiphanes, who imposed Greek ways on the Jews after gaining control of Judea in 175 b.c. He not only outlawed their religious practices but demanded—under penalty of death—that they break the Sabbath, eat forbidden foods, and join in pagan worship. He robbed and desecrated the Temple, even offering sacrifice to an idol there. But Antiochus also had Jewish partners in crime: “certain renegades” who sought advantages through alliance with a great political power.
Against this dark background, the heroes shine like the sun. There is Mattathias, who defied the king and spearheaded a revolt. Today’s reading spotlights the most renowned among his sons, Judas Maccabeus. With a fighting force of just ten thousand, he has recaptured Jerusalem, crushing an army of sixty thousand plus.
Time to celebrate! But notice how Judas goes about it. His first priority is to purify and rededicate the Temple. This housecleaning takes some work. But how sweet it must have been to see God’s house restored and to offer a pleasing sacrifice on a new altar! Every year since then, Hanukkah recalls that initial joy and gladness, inviting Jews everywhere to remember God’s saving deeds.
It’s interesting to reflect on all this in light of today’s Gospel reading, where Jesus drives the merchants out of the Temple area. Since each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit, we can ask: What’s the state of my heart? Is it a pure sanctuary for the Lord, or is it harboring some renegades? Could it use some repairs? How can I make my house beautiful for God?
“Lord Jesus, I rejoice in your goodness to me. And I want you to be able to rejoice over me as well! With glad thanksgiving, I rededicate myself to you.”
(Psalm) 1 Chronicles 29:10-12; Luke 19:45-48
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