Readings: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-64, Ps. 119:53,61,134,150,155,158, Luke 18:35-43
“So, they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to Gentile custom, and removed the marks of circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant. They joined with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil.” (1 Maccabees 1:14-15)
In today’s first reading, we observe how evil can easily spread within a society. A few individuals begin doing wrong, and gradually they attract followers. They gain the king’s (or leader’s) approval, and evil becomes sanctioned. King Antiochus Epiphanes even went so far as to pass a law forbidding the Israelites from worshipping God. The temple was defiled, and pagan idols were placed inside the sacred spaces in Jerusalem and the surrounding cities of Judah. The people started burning the scrolls of the Law (Old Testament).
As it was in the days of King Antiochus, evil has become more widespread today. The acts once considered taboo are now commonplace. Stealing, lying, thuggery, certificate forgery, and similar deeds are now normal. If someone belongs to the ruling party, they can escape any punishment. At this moment, God searches for men and women of faith who are brave enough to sacrifice their lives to uphold righteousness.
Many in Israel preferred to die rather than be contaminated by food or break the covenant. Am I one of these persons? How can I set a good example and promote moral values in my environment? If we are too afraid to die for what we believe, it is because we never truly believed in the first place. If you genuinely believe in God, you will see beyond earthly realities; you will recognise that there is life beyond the grave.
In our Gospel passage, Jesus heals a man who, though physically blind, refused to settle for less. This man was not the only person in Israel with this impairment, but he received his healing because he stood out from the crowd. When Jesus initially ignored him, he refused to be silenced by the crowd; he refused to accept the status quo. He did not keep quiet even when the crowd made him appear small and unimportant. He called out to Jesus as loudly as he could until Jesus noticed him.
Amid all the evils going on in our society, we are all called to be inspired by the story of this man. Do not say, “Who am I to change things? Who am I to call out for justice? Who am I to pray until Jesus comes to change my situation? Who am I to shout (proclaim) the truth on social media?” The crowd may try to silence you; your posts may not get views or likes, and some will even insult you or drop discouraging comments. Don’t give up. Keep shouting. What will keep you going is your faith.
Faith is powerful; whatever you visualise, you bring into reality. When the man asked and was told it was Jesus, he imagined his sight being restored. He believed Jesus could heal him, but he did more: he shouted as loudly as he could until Jesus noticed him. Jesus eventually told him, “Your faith has made you well.” You can make this world a better place. Visualise it, believe it is possible, and work towards it. Be prepared to make any sacrifice needed. Your faith will bring you success.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary was born into Hungarian royalty on 7 July 1207. Her marriage to Ludwig IV of Thuringia was arranged when she was young. Tragedy struck early in her life with the murder of her mother in 1213. She married Ludwig in 1221, and they had three children. Embracing Franciscan values, she chose a simple life dedicated to helping the needy. In 1226, during a severe famine and disease outbreak, she established a hospital to support those suffering.
When Ludwig passed away in 1227, Elizabeth was profoundly affected and decided not to remarry. She took vows of celibacy and obedience to her spiritual mentor, Conrad of Marburg, who was known for his strict guidance. In 1228, Elizabeth joined the Third Order of St. Francis and used her dowry to found another hospital, committing herself to care for the sick and poor.
Elizabeth is renowned for her miraculous deeds, including the famous ‘Miracle of Roses.’ She died on 17 November 1231, at the young age of 24. After her death, numerous healings reported at her gravesite led to her canonisation by Pope Gregory IX in 1235. She is the patron saint of various charitable causes.
Let us pray: O God, by whose gift Saint Elizabeth of Hungary recognised and revered Christ in the poor, grant, through her intercession, that we may serve with unfailing charity the needy and those afflicted. 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. (Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-64, Ps. 119:53,61,134,150,155,158, Luke 18:35-43)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu