Readings: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13, Ps. 9:2-4,6,16,19, Luke 20:27-40
“But now I remember the evils I did in Jerusalem. I seized all her silver and gold vessels and sent them to destroy the inhabitants of Judah without good reason. I know that these evils have come upon me because of this, and behold, I am perishing of deep grief in a strange land.” (1 Maccabees 6:12-13)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus explains the meaning of resurrection to the Sadducees, who did not believe that the dead could rise again. If these Sadducees were modern-day Christians, I suppose they would have asked Jesus to show them where it is written in the Scriptures that the dead are to rise again. The Sadducees asked Jesus about a woman who married seven brothers, wanting to know whose wife she would be in the resurrection. This question showed their limited understanding of life after death.
Jesus explains that we will be like the angels in the resurrection – pure spirits who would not need to marry or have children. Jesus quoted from the Scriptures to support his point. He directed them to the passage where Moses encountered the burning bush. The Sadducees were familiar with that passage, but they never fully grasped its implications. He is God, not of the dead but of the Living.
King Antiochus Epiphanes, after all his evil deeds, died in shame, weeping and in sorrow. In his own words: “I remember the evils I did in Jerusalem… I sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judah without good reason. I know that these evils have come upon me because of this, and behold, I am perishing of deep grief in a strange land.” Today, our Psalmist sings: “For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hopes of the poor ever perish.” When it seems like evil people are succeeding, don’t worry, keep trusting in God, don’t give up hope, and stop being good.
St. Cecilia is honoured as the patron saint of music. She was a noble Roman woman who dedicated her life to remaining a consecrated virgin. When she married Valerian, she disclosed her vow to him, assuring him that an angel was watching over her purity. Inspired by her faith, Valerian converted to Christianity and, upon his return, witnessed an angel with Cecilia. His brother, Tibertius, also embraced the faith and was baptised. Together, the brothers worked to bury martyred saints, a mission that ultimately led to their own martyrdom.
Cecilia was passionate about spreading the Christian faith, successfully converting over four hundred people. Even after her arrest, she continued to preach. She was sentenced to death by suffocation in heated baths, but miraculously survived unharmed. An executioner then attempted to behead her but failed, allowing her to live for three more days, during which she kept preaching and praying.
After her passing, Pope Urban arranged for Cecilia’s burial. Centuries later, in 1599, her body was exhumed and found to be incorrupt, emitting a sweet fragrance. Her remains were placed beneath the main altar of her church in Trastevere, Rome. St. Cecilia’s title as the patroness of music originates from the heavenly music she heard in her heart during her wedding. She is often depicted in art with organ pipes, symbolising her connection to music. Her inspiring story continues to encourage faith and devotion among believers today.
Let us pray: O God, who gladden us each year with the feast day of your handmaid Saint Cecilia, grant, we pray, that what has been devoutly handed down concerning her may offer us examples to imitate and proclaim the wonders worked in his servants by Christ your Son. 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 Cecilia, Virgin, Martyr. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: 1 Maccabees 6:1-13, Ps. 9:2-4,6,16,19, Luke 20:27-40)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu