The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the adversity that sometimes accompanies our decisions in favour of truth, beauty, and love and against rejection of people who live differently from our experience.
The reading from the Second Book of Maccabees describes the Martyrdom of Eleazar.
* [6:18–7:42] The stories of Eleazar and of the mother and her seven sons, among the earliest models of “martyrology,” were understandably popular. Written to encourage God’s people in times of persecution, they add gruesome details to the record of tortures, and place long speeches in the mouths of the martyrs. (2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6, n.d.)
Psalm 3 urges trust in God under Adversity.
* [Psalm 3] An individual lament complaining of enemies who deny that God will come to the rescue (Ps 3:2–3). Despite such taunts the psalmist hopes for God’s protection even in sleep (Ps 3:4–7). The Psalm prays for an end to the enemies’ power to speak maliciously (Ps 3:8) and closes peacefully with an expression of trust (Ps 3:9). (Psalms, PSALM 3, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus and Zacchaeus are brought together.
* [19:1–10] The story of the tax collector Zacchaeus is unique to this gospel. While a rich man (Lk 19:2), Zacchaeus provides a contrast to the rich man of Lk 18:18–23 who cannot detach himself from his material possessions to become a follower of Jesus. Zacchaeus, according to Luke, exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth: he promises to give half of his possessions to the poor (Lk 19:8) and consequently is the recipient of salvation (Lk 19:9–10).
* [19:9] A descendant of Abraham: literally, “a son of Abraham.” The tax collector Zacchaeus, whose repentance is attested by his determination to amend his former ways, shows himself to be a true descendant of Abraham, the true heir to the promises of God in the Old Testament. Underlying Luke’s depiction of Zacchaeus as a descendant of Abraham, the father of the Jews (Lk 1:73; 16:22–31), is his recognition of the central place occupied by Israel in the plan of salvation.
* [19:10] This verse sums up for Luke his depiction of the role of Jesus as savior in this gospel. (Luke, CHAPTER 19, n.d.)
Cindy Murphy McMahon comments that those witnessing the scene had questions, of course, and grumblings against what Jesus was doing by going to Zacchaeus’ house.
Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation based on the words of St. Therese Lisieux reinforces the Great Love we see in today’s readings, stating that love is the supreme gift of the Holy Spirit and “the mother and the root of all the virtues.” St. Therese said, “To love is to give everything. It is to give oneself.” May we respond to God’s Great Love and make it primary in our lives, as both Eleazar and Zacchaeus illustrate for us in today’s readings. (Murphy, 2023)
Don Schwager quotes “To see Christ,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).
"Come and let us see what was the method of Zacchaeus's conversion. He desired to see Jesus and therefore climbed into a sycamore tree, and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Christ saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, he also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, he says, 'Come down quickly.' Zacchaeus searched to see Christ, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merely in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he were raised up from the earth and climbed into the sycamore, by which Christ was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Christ and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore, by making foolish his earthly members of fornication, uncleanness, etc." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 127) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 invites us to think of the people whose witness has affected us. Not just our parents or our pastor, but everyday parishioners or friends. Think of the stories of the saints and their enduring legacy for generations of believers. People notice our life just as much. They see our patience. They see our kindness and generosity. They see our faithfulness to our family and friends. They see how we handle disappointments, grief, and suffering. Every time we choose the way of Christ over the way of the world—even if it’s quiet or subtle or unstated—our life becomes a testimony to the love of God.
When it comes to spiritual matters, we humans have a way of underestimating the effect we can have. It’s easy to forget that the Holy Spirit is at work in us—and in the people around us. It’s easy to forget his ability to take our actions, fill them with his grace and power, and use them to reveal himself. Your decisions matter because you matter!
“Thank you, Lord, for using me as a vessel of your grace!” (Meditation on 2 Maccabees 6:18-31, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler notes that 2 Maccabees is a collection of episodes that, today, explores the decision of Eleazar to be a martyr as he refuses to deceive and eat forbidden meat. The hatred of the people for tax collectors of the Roman occupiers makes Zacchaeus's efforts to encounter Jesus a nervy thing to do. Friar Jude reminds us of the realized eschatology of encountering Jesus that is part of the Gospel text.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Pat McCabe (Weyakpa Najin Win, Woman Stands Shining) of the Diné nation who describes the medicine wheel as a symbol of the interconnectedness and responsibility of all beings.
Another way that I look at it is that every single living life form has been given a seat on this sacred hoop of life … and that includes us … the five-fingered ones. We also have a seat on that sacred hoop. Every single member has a methodology for upholding its part of the sacred hoop. Every single member must uphold their part of the sacred hoop, or the integrity of the hoop begins to fail. That’s what I believe we’re witnessing right now. (Rohr, 2023)
We seek the guidance of the Spirit to become aware and open to the different paths that lead to experience of Divine Love and spiritual growth.
References
Luke, CHAPTER 19. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/19?1
Meditation on 2 Maccabees 6:18-31. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/11/21/834265/
Murphy, C. (2023, November 21). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/112123.html
Psalms, PSALM 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/3?2
Rohr, R. (2023, November 21). The Sacred Hoop — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-sacred-hoop/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). Zacchaeus Received Jesus Joyfully. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=nov21
2 Maccabees, CHAPTER 6. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/6?18
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