1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59 1 Chronicles 29:1-bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a, 12bcd Lk 19:45-48

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

“All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven, who had given them success.” – Maccabees, 4:55

Think of a high and a low point in your last twenty-four hours.  Of these, in which did God appear more prevalently in your thoughts?  Did you blame him for the difficulties or did you give him praise for your prosperity?  In many cases, we think about God when we need a scapegoat for life’s trials and tribulations.

God is always present in our lives and we must acknowledge his presence through praising him.  In the first reading, we see the congregation of Israel falling upon their knees to give thanks and praise to God following their victory over the Gentiles.  When have we actually gotten on our knees to thank him?  This may appear abnormal in today’s society, but there are a multitude of ways that we can show thanks and praise to God and most do not require kneeling. 

Let us do away with the sarcastic “Thank God” and actually give thanks.  If our alarm clocks woke us up this morning, let us give thanks.  If we have the ability to read this, let's give thanks.  We are blessed with life so give thanks.