6 November 2022 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
It happened also that seven brothers and their mother were arrested and were being compelled by the king, under torture with whips and thongs, to partake of unlawful swine’s flesh. One of them, acting as their spokesman, said, ‘What do you intend to ask and learn from us? For we are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors.’ And when he was at his last breath, he said, ‘You accursed wretch, you dismiss us from this present life, but the King of the universe will raise us up to an everlasting renewal of life, because we have died for his laws.’
From 2 Maccabees 7:1-2,9-14, NRSV
In the second century, King Antiochus IV outlawed the worship and customs of the Jews. By so doing, he hoped to bring about the unity of his Empire. However, he met with more opposition than expected and today’s reading tells of one incident that took place during this time of persecution. The resistance of these seven brothers and their mother to being forced to eat pig’s meat shows the strength of their faith and the lengths to which they would go to uphold the Law. We also hear of the new-found faith in resurrection of the dead to new life. Historically, Israel had believed that the dead would go to Sheol where they would exist in a kind of joyless half-life. Now we hear the spokesperson for this group confidently professing belief in the renewal of life – a faith that enabled them to meet death rather than be forced to act against their beliefs.
- What impact do you suppose this family’s resistance made on their persecutors?
- What gives you strength in the face of opposition to your faith?
Give thanks for all whose sacrifices have preserved our faith and pray for those who face religious persecution today.
