Standing up for the relationship

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary give us the opportunity to consider the depth of our relationship with the Divine. The decision of Mattathias in the episode from the 1st Book of Maccabees is to act in "righteous anger" against the attempt of the occupying powers to have the Jews renounce their Covenant by sacrifice at the pagan altar. His response is in the pattern of Moses and results in the exile of the Jewish faithful to the hills in the wilderness. The words of the psalmist offer praise for the protection of God for those who endure sacrifice to maintain the Covenant. The text from Luke's Gospel has Jesus comment on the focus of the crowd on the provision by Jesus of food and healing to them which seems to be drawing them away from embracing the deep intimate relationship which He offers even to the extent of accepting betrayal to the authorities, who seek His death, by those to whom He offers satisfaction of their spiritual hunger and righteousness through healing of the offense they may have provided to God. We are challenged to open our eyes  and ears to  revelation of how we could move away from the distractions to a deeper level of intimacy with God.