Daily Readings - Thu Nov 23 2017

The first reading from 1 Maccabees tells the story of Mattathias, a Jewish priest who refused to comply with King Antiochus' decree to sacrifice to idols and abandon the law of God. When a Jew in his city attempted to obey the king's command, Mattathias, filled with righteous anger and fidelity to God, killed both the man and the king's emissary, then destroyed the altar. He called upon all who were faithful to the law to follow him, and they fled to the mountains to continue their resistance. This passage highlights the courage and conviction required to stand firm in one’s faith, even in the face of persecution and societal pressure. The Gospel reading from Luke presents a very different scene. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting that its people did not recognize "the time of your visitation." He foresees the destruction that will come upon the city because its inhabitants failed to discern the significance of his presence among them. This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual awareness and the tragic consequences of missing God’s offer of peace and salvation. Both readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God and our commitment to living according to His will. Mattathias’ boldness reminds us that faith requires sacrifice and the courage to stand against worldly influences that contradict God’s law. Jesus’ lament, on the other hand, challenges us to remain spiritually alert and open to God’s presence in our lives. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we must strive to discern God’s voice and remain faithful, even when it is difficult. Let us pray for the grace to be both courageous and attentive, that we may live as true witnesses of God’s love and truth.