Readings: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29, Ps. 50:1-2,5-6,14-15, Luke 19:41-44
“A Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice upon the altar in Modein, according to the king’s command. When Mattathias saw it, he burned with zeal, and his heart was stirred. He gave vent to righteous anger; he ran and killed him upon the altar.’” (1 Maccabees 2:23-24)
In today’s first reading, officers from the evil king Antiochus Ephiphanes arrived at Modein to enforce apostasy against the Jewish religion. Mattathias initially tried to be diplomatic (he spoke to them calmly), but a Jew came forward to offer the sacrifice. Mattathias ran and killed the Jew instantly, as well as the king’s officers, and tore down the pagan altar.
Today’s first reading introduces the idea of “righteous anger.” Mattathias was filled with “zeal,” the same word used in John 2:17 concerning Jesus. “Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple, he found those selling oxen, sheep, pigeons, and money changers at their business. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned their tables.” (John 2:13-15).
However, the fifth commandment states: “Thou shalt not kill.” Today’s reading is not an endorsement of murder. Killing a person in the name of God is a sin. At his arrest, Jesus did not let his disciples fight; he even healed Malchus’s ear. The message in today’s first reading is that we must be angry enough with the devil to avoid bargaining with him. In a moment of temptation, remember there is no middle ground; you either stand for God or fall into sin.
Secondly, this story highlights the importance of preparation. No one enters a battle with bare hands. Like Mattathias, who assembled an army in readiness for King Antiochus, we must equip ourselves spiritually through daily prayers, meditation, and the practice of holiness.
Thirdly, the death of this Jew fulfils what Jesus said: “If you try to save your life, you will lose it, but if you lose your life for the sake of God, you will keep it for eternity.” He thought that by offering the sacrifice, he would protect himself from King Antiochus’s men, but he ultimately lost his life. Agreeing to the devil’s terms will not save your life.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus wept over Jerusalem. This lament of Jesus would be fulfilled in AD 70, when the city would be destroyed and not a stone of the Temple would remain. As Jesus wept over the temple, we should learn to mourn over our sins, for they only deserve hell.
One of the Beatitudes states: “Blessed are those who mourn.” Learn to mourn over sin. Mourn the widespread immorality in our society. If you do not mourn the spread of evil, you will soon find yourself justifying it and even accepting it as usual. Cultivate righteous anger; do everything within your power to prevent the proliferation of sin.
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. (Thursday of week 33 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29, Ps. 50:1-2,5-6,14-15, Luke 19:41-44)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu