The first reading for today is from the First Book of Maccabees. It is an account of the time of persecution of the people of Jerusalem during the time they were ruled by Antiochus IV of the Seleucid Kingdom, a now distant descendant of the empire built by Alexander the Great. Tired of the revolts and troubles, Antiochus decided to first try to lure them into a different culture by enticing the young and old with the mystery of philosophy, worldly allures, access to the gymnasium where the elite met and deals were made, and a world of customs and value hitherto unknown. Antiochus wanted them to center their lives on something other than the Temple and the Covenant with God.

It worked for a while. People “abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing…[they began offering sacrifices] to idols and profaned the sabbath.” Having made inroads, Antiochus then ordered that all the people of Jerusalem should be unified in custom, language, and worship. At this point Antiochus introduced pagan worship into the very heart of the Temple, the Holy of Holies – and then began to systematically destroy the signs and symbols of the Jewish faith. “Terrible affliction was upon Israel.”

History is filled with different kinds of rulers, kings, dictators, and monarchs whose rule covers the gamut of dominion from persuasion to persecution. With one hand they offer the people something desired, be it moral or mundane. With the other hand, they offer the questionable. Rarely do they offer blatantly wrong. It is more likely that the heat is slowly turned up so that the people never sense the change in temperature until it is too late. The waters around them are already boiling.

What about “we the people”?  In the age of the Maccabees there were those who joined Antiochus’ agenda. There were those who remained silent. There were others who stood firm in their ancient faith of Abraham and they suffered mightily for their stand.  Maccabees reveal the range of circumstances that surround us in the realm of political decrees, cultural temptations, moral compromises, or the quiet drift away from what we once held to be true. It is a story of all ages: spiritual integrity under pressure. 

Our times are no different. Some of us join an other-than-Christ-centered agenda. Some remain silent. Others stand firm and speak from their faith. What is the issue, the agenda, the topic that you sense is wrong or headed in the wrong direction? Something in that quiet drift away from what you held to be true. Are you silent? Waiting for more information?

What issue do you find yourself apart from the Church and you think, “those bishops should stay out of politics?” Might this be a sign that you have joined an agenda different from the Church?

The Maccabees remind us: fidelity to God is not always easy.  But what is always easy is prayer.  As the gospel reminds us, the Lord is always asking: “What do you want me to do for you?”  Our response should always be “Lord, please let me see.”

Like our ancestors in faith, we live in the realm of political decrees, cultural temptations, moral compromises, and the quiet drift away from what we once held to be true. “Lord, please let me see.” Pray for the Wisdom to discern God’s desire and your call to action. When external forces demand conformity, stand firm in the grace and Wisdom of God.

Image Credit: “Healing the Blind Man” | Václav Mánes | 1832 | National Gallery Prague | PD-US