Readings: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31, Ps. 3:2-7, Luke 19:1-10
“Such pretence is not worthy of our time of life,” he said, “lest many of the young should suppose that Eleazar in his ninetieth year has gone over to an alien religion, and through my pretence, for the sake of living a brief moment longer, they should be led astray because of me, while I defile and disgrace my old age.” (2 Maccabees 6:24-25)
In today’s first reading, we hear the story of Eleazer, a Jewish religious leader highly esteemed by the people. Because of his influential position, Eleazer was captured during King Antiochus Epiphanes’s persecution. He was given the choice to either eat meat sacrificed to idols publicly or face the death penalty.
Some of his friends said, “Sir, you don’t have to eat the meat dedicated to the gods; just bring your meat from your house and eat it in our presence.” Truly, worldly-minded people can be very creative in making God’s children sin. A few days ago, we heard Jesus say: “Temptations to sin are sure to come; but woe to him by whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung round his neck and he were cast into the sea than he should cause one of these little ones to sin.” (Luke 17:1-2).
If Eleazer had agreed to eat meat brought from his house, he would have been leading the people into temptation. They wouldn’t believe it, even if he later explained that what he had eaten was not meat sacrificed to idols. Eleazer chose to die rather than lead others astray. If he had agreed to their plan, his life would have been spared, but he would have compromised his integrity. The men enforcing the plan of King Antiochus would have said to the people: “If your role model, Eleazar, is doing it, what is wrong with it?”
This experience teaches us that there is no easy way out of sin. The only way to avoid sin is a willingness to die rather than sin. No wonder Jesus said to us, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26). There is no middle ground. Cherish your integrity; stop trying to be two-faced with evil. It is not enough to denounce evil with our lips; we must denounce it with our actions. We must never give anyone the wrong impression.
Are you a leader in any capacity? Do you have people looking up to you as their mentor? Reflect on Eleazer’s words, “Such pretence is not worthy of our time of life lest… I defile and disgrace my old age.” Do you know how upsetting it can be when you discover that your role model is not as holy as he has presented himself? A lady told me how she felt compelled to let down her moral guard after a highly respected “man of God” asked her out. After years of struggling to stay pure, she found herself sinking deeper and deeper into sin.
Temptations to sin must surely come. Please do not become the last straw that breaks the camel’s back. Many Christians are already struggling to overcome habitual sins; they know what they are doing is wrong in God’s sight, but they need people to encourage them on the right path. Do not be hypocritical; condemning evil in public, yet patronising it in secret. To such persons, God says: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:14-17)
Zacchaeus was a wealthy man, but he lacked integrity. He could have arranged a meeting with Jesus, but he was afraid Jesus would refuse, since everyone knew how he had acquired his wealth. He climbed a tree to get a better look, but Jesus saw him and said, “Come down, for I must eat at your house today.” This alone was scandalous to the people.
Having been so honoured, Zacchaeus felt he needed to do something to restore his lost integrity. He announced that for everyone he had defrauded, he would restore to them fourfold. Jesus said, “Salvation has come into this house.” The day you repent of your sins is the day you receive salvation. To the thief who asked Jesus to remember him in paradise, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). God’s forgiveness is instant; however, your repentance must be sincere. God, who created the heart, knows when our acts of repentance are mere lip service.
Above all, Zacchaeus’s story teaches us that it doesn’t matter how bad your reputation is today; you can still become an instrument in God’s hands. Every saint had a past, and every sinner still has a future. You may not be highly respected like Eleazer, but you can still be a role model when you stand for what is right.
Let us pray: Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is complete and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 33 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31, Ps. 3:2-7, Luke 19:1-10)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu