Readings: 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31, Ps. 17:1, 5-6, 8, Luke 19:11-28
“Antiochus not only appealed to him in words but promised with oaths that he would make him rich and enviable if he would turn from the ways of his fathers. ... While she was still speaking, the young man said, ‘What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king’s command...’” (2 Maccabees 7:24-30)
Today, we read the brutal account of persecution during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes. Seven brothers and their mother were imprisoned for refusing to participate in idol worship. After the death of the sixth brother, Antiochus, moved by shame at their bravery, decided to tempt the youngest with riches and political influence. Just as King Antiochus tried to persuade the boy with wealth, many young men and women today have sold their souls to the devil, following the mantra: “Get rich or die trying.”
Being wealthy is not a sin, but when one’s wealth stems from rejecting God, such riches are worthless. If your income comes from disobeying God’s commandments, engaging in illegal activities, or even worse, taking lives, you have prioritised riches above God. It is better to be content with little than to find comfort in ill-got gains. It is preferable to face persecution than to risk losing your soul for money.
When the king saw that the young man would not bow to his offer of riches, he turned to his mother, hoping she would persuade him. Using her native language, she told the boy, “Do not be afraid of this butcher. Do not disgrace your brothers. Accept death.” With this encouragement from his mother, the youngest son said to the king, “What are you waiting for? Go ahead. You can kill me, but I will not obey you.” How many mothers (and fathers) would give such advice to their children today?
While many parents give their children proper upbringing, some encourage them to commit crimes or even worship the devil to make money. For example, you know your child is not working, yet you notice they live in an expensive house, drive exotic cars, wear costly clothes and jewellery, etc. What would you do? There is hardship in our land today, but this does not excuse evil. Impart moral values to your children; teach them to know that the end does not justify the means.
Today’s first reading mirrors the current situation in our country. Within a week, one newspaper headline records that about 145 persons have been abducted. Sadly, this includes school children taken from a female boarding house in Kebbi. The gruesome murder of a Brigadier General of the Army by terrorists on video sends a message to the world: the entire nation’s security architecture has been captured.
Amid all of this, how many parents are still intentionally instilling moral values in their children? If, as a parent, you can still afford to go to your child’s school to beat up the teacher for attempting to discipline your child, you have failed your generation. How else can that child learn there are consequences for wrong choices?
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus told a parable to those expecting the kingdom of God to arrive immediately. The world will end one day, but in the meantime, we must use our talents. Whatever gift, idea, skill, or remarkable ability God has given you is meant to improve the world beyond how you found it.
Today’s Gospel passage reminds us of St. Paul’s words (second reading of the 33rd Sunday in ordinary time): “Anyone unwilling to work should not eat, for we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now, such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12).
Teach your children the value of hard work and integrity. God hates idleness. If you genuinely love your children, do not raise them in laziness. Consider the fact that even God does not always give us everything we ask for, not because He is poor (incapable), but because He would give us what we need. Do not spare the rod. If they never get to cry now for making mistakes at a young age, they will eventually cry for repeating such mistakes later in life.
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. (Wednesday of week 33 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31, Ps. 17:1, 5-6, 8, Luke 19:11-28)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu