Category: Bible Study

“On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled [the Temple], on that very day it was reconsecrated…” —1 Maccabees 4:54 The worst day in the lives of the Jews in the times of the Maccabees was the day of the defilement of the Temple by the cruel tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes (1 Mc 1:54). What was the worst day of your life? Many of us have had our bodies defiled by acts of violence, sexual sin, and perhaps other indignities. The memories of these events may fill us with great pain and dismay. Jesus entered into Jerusalem...

“He was filled with zeal; his heart was moved and his just fury was aroused.” —1 Maccabees 2:24 Jesus “wept over” Jerusalem (Lk 19:41). “Just look at the fruit of this sorrow” (2 Cor 7:11). “What a measure of holy zeal!” (2 Cor 7:11) Jesus’ tears fell like sparks igniting a fire on the earth (see Lk 12:49). Jesus’ sorrow did not lead to despondence. Rather, His sorrow motivated Him to run to Jerusalem and die on the cross to take away the sins of every person. Mattathias was grieved at the sins of God’s people (see 1 Mc 2:14)....

“Therefore, by manfully giving up my life now, I will prove myself worthy of my old age, and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” –2 Maccabees 6:27-28 The ninety-year-old Eleazar refused to save his life by pretending he was eating pork. He knew that the example of his life of holiness would remain with others long after he died. Eleazar intentionally decided to offer his life and his faithful death as an example (2 Mc 6:19ff). St. Stephen’s example of holy martyrdom became an...