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It Is All About Relationship

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Today is a very special day for me. It is my wife and my anniversary! We have been married for two years and her companionship has made the struggles of the past two years joyful. In Scripture, there are many references to the reality that if you cannot love those in front of you whom you can see, how can you claim to know and love God. The inverse of that is true as well, when we show kindness, mercy, and love we reveal what God has first shown us. It is through this lens that I wish to share with you my reflections on today’s readings. 

In our First Reading today, we see the critical moment of Hanna’s fidelity to God when she is accused of being a drunkard in her misery. Her response reveals that she does not take offense to these harsh words. Let’s stop for a moment and think about this; she was misunderstood and treated roughly when she was at her lowest low, crying before God. If this were you, crying and praying your heart out and a priest, a friend, or another Christian came up to you and accused you of being a drunk, what would your response be? Hanna’s response was one of security, she did not start fighting with Eli the priest and judge but rather explained herself and asked him to pray with her. This carries weight in my eyes because in the midst of her suffering she was courageous enough to be vulnerable with God and let God comfort her and that reality is shown by her vulnerability with the priest even after his roughness. Her relationship with God is shown through her response to Eli. But the story does not stop there, God remembers Hanna’s prayer. This word is used in describing how the Passover was supposed to be done as well as our Mass. “Remember” is used to enter back into the reality of the experience and relive it. God, from that partnership, answered her prayer for a child.

The Gospel reading reveals an interesting truth, it takes more than acknowledging that Jesus is God to be saved. The demon in the man cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” It acknowledges Jesus as the Holy One of God but in fear and hatred. Jesus then gives freedom to that man who was possessed by the demon. But it was not just freedom for freedom’s sake. It was freedom to be able to say with love and familiarity, ‘My Lord and my God, I am loved by you, you see me and know my suffering.’ In other words, we cannot sit back and say Jesus is God, Jesus needs to be my Lord. The relationship needs to be personal. If you doubt this, look back at the Psalm. The Church has us repeat, “My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.” That is a deeply personal proclamation that reveals the love in our hearts in response to God’s liberating love. If you are reading this, there is already a drive to grow closer to God. But I want to encourage you to dive even deeper into Jesus’ love for you. Be encouraged by these two witnesses of God’s love today and do not hold back from what he has in store for you!

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Arthur Richardson is married to his wonderful wife, Gabby Richardson. They will be married for two years this January! Most of his work experience is in ministry. He was a retreat missionary in Wisconsin for two years and a youth minister for three years. He is now the Web Project Manager here at Diocesan, and loves it!

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God is God

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The Responsorial Psalm at Mass today reminds us that “a sacrifice of praise” is integral to the worship of God. 

In Psalm 116, the speaker is praising God particularly because God has listened to his prayers and saved him when he was in great need and distress. How often do  we remember the fate that would await us if it wasn’t for the salvific act of Christ on the Cross? And do we give praise to God for our deliverance? How often do we take a moment to praise God for our health, for our loved ones? Even the little blessings we experience, like a hug from a friend or a warm bed, are occasions to praise God.

But beyond what God has done for us, he deserves our prayer simply because he is God! The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “Praise is the form of prayer which recognizes most immediately that God is God.” (2639) Though the psalmist in today’s readings has gone through hard times, he does not rail against God. He realizes that God is God, and he deserves worship; a “sacrifice of praise.”

The little vexations in our daily lives can be useful when it comes to developing an attitude of praise to God, especially when things don’t go our way.

This morning, after coming in from the frosty January chill, I made homemade hot chocolate. After whipping the ingredients into a frenzy, I popped a mug of the mixture into the microwave to heat it and to create a nice, thick topping of foam. Distracted for a moment, I turned back to the microwave to see that my cup runneth over! Hot chocolate foam was boiling all over the inside of my microwave. 

Moments of frustration like this one can train us to become people of praise! When things go awry, we can curse, we can complain, or we can say, “Praise God!” 

When my cocoa was ruined, praising God was not my first impulse! I was ticked off. I felt betrayed. I was hungry and cold, and-it-was-such-a-gloomy-day-and-I-just-went-to-Mass; aren’t I virtuous; don’t I deserve a reward!? But in situations like this, when we choose to speak out the simple words, “Praise you Lord!” with as much sincerity as we can muster, our attitude changes. We remember that, actually, we don’t “deserve,” and that we are called to love and serve God whether things go our way or not.

When we practice praising God during these seemingly insignificant moments of frustration, this kind of spiritual exercise eventually translates into life-long faithfulness and a docility to the will of God. In other words, it makes us like Christ, who, “though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.” (Philippians 2:6)

The Catechism says that we owe God honor and glory “simply because HE IS,” (emphasis added by author) not because he has behaved in a way that we think God should. No matter what happens in our day, or in our life, God is God and he deserves our praise.

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Christine Hanus is a thwarted idealist who, nevertheless, lives quite happily in Upstate NY. She is a wife and mother of five grown children.

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Are You and I Vigilant?

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If you are a regular churchgoer, by now you have noticed the readings are rather dark this time of year. By that, I mean Scripture is speaking to us about End Times. The church asks us to meditate on the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. Luke is telling us to be vigilant. That is not a word we are used to hearing on a regular basis.

It reminded me of a book that was passed around in our circle of friends about 35 to 40 years ago. I think it was called “Purgatory”. A French priest wrote it and also wrote one on Hell. I got up to page 19 and could go no further. I just couldn’t handle it. It was so condemning! I didn’t know if I could actually get to heaven. The book is mostly private revelation which we are not bound to believe. But, it sure got to me. It seemed like a lot of people were going to purgatory for very minor offenses!

It took me a few years before I could pick it up again and finish the book. Those minor offenses changed with time into ones that I might have been venial sins, but now they bothered me. To enter the Pearly Gates, one must be free of sin. Now, most of us have friends from many different denominations and we find that there are many ideas of what being sin-free means. For some, a simple declaration of faith gives a person a one way ticket straight to heaven. For us Catholics, we believe that we have been saved through baptism, we are being saved now, and we will be saved when Jesus takes us to our eternal home. I am sure you can see the difference.

Remember what Paul said, “I work on my salvation with fear and trembling”. I believe Paul was using the word “work” as to work on not sinning. This ties in with us being vigilant. One way to do that is to guard our senses. All three of our daughters were missionaries for a while and in their faith formation were taught to “guard their senses”. Then they taught it to me. It was and is a great gift. Which of the senses causes you to sin? Eyes, ears, touch smells, etc.? Give it a name and it will be easier to overcome. And guess what? The Lord will help you! Be vigilant!

Have a Blessed Advent.

Serving With Joy!

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Deacon Dan Schneider is a retired general manager of industrial distributors. He and his wife Vicki have been married for over 50 years. They are the parents of eight children and thirty grandchildren. He has a degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 2002.  He has a passion for working with engaged and married couples and his main ministry has been preparing couples for marriage.

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Jesus’ Word

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I have been blessed this year to be a part of a wonderful Bible Study at our parish. In the past few weeks, the group I am helping to facilitate looked more closely at the trustworthiness of the Bible. How do we know what it says is true? Is the Bible applicable to our daily lives? Will the message of the Bible ever “run out” or pass into history like so many other writings?

One of the passages we looked at was today’s Gospel, especially the last verse. “Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words will not pass away.” This is a powerful statement made by Jesus for a number of reasons. 

First, the words and teachings of Jesus are beyond our measure of space. Creation itself will someday pass away. But the words of Jesus will endure even beyond such a time. 

Second, if Jesus’ word is able to exist outside of creation, it is outside of time. It is eternal. The opening verses of John’s Gospel come to mind here. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” Jesus, the Word of God, the Logos in Greek. John understood that before God began to create, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were present. Here is one of the underpinnings for our Trinitarian theology. 

When Jesus tells His followers, “my word will never pass away,” we can see the echoes of it in John’s theology. Jesus’ word is creative, He is making things new. His words can change reality. Think of His many miracles. Jesus commanded storms, disease, even death, with His words. 

If Jesus’ words will never pass away, then they still have bearing and meaning in our present day. Even when it feels like our world is ending, we don’t know where to turn or what will come next, Jesus’ word is steady and sure. 

The Bible is God’s eternal Word, written down for our benefit. When we take the time to study it, to pray with it, to listen to it, Jesus speaks to our hearts. 

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Kate Taliaferro is an Air Force wife and mother. She is blessed to be able to homeschool, bake bread and fold endless piles of laundry. When not planning a school day, writing a blog post or cooking pasta, Kate can be found curled up with a book or working with some kind of fiber craft. Kate blogs at DailyGraces.net.

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Thankful in All Things

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Today many of us will gather together with our loved ones for the first time in nearly two years. So many holidays have passed with us visiting on a screen or through a window, and I’m sure, like me, you are very grateful to be together finally. Even if you are apart from your family, there is still so much to be thankful for today. Instead of allowing bitterness to foster for the lost time, we can embrace the hope in the words of Sirach, “May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you” (50:22-24). Although a more challenging response, we can see this as a blessing and an awakening to the many things we’ve learned to take for granted.

For instance, do we genuinely recognize the privilege that receiving the Eucharist—which means thanksgiving—truly is? After years of joining the Communion line, I have to confess I take this miraculous invitation for granted. Jesus humbled himself to become consumable in the Eucharist, yet does our behavior indicate how honored we are to participate in this unfathomable mystery? We become a temple for the Holy Spirit; we receive within us the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

During the pandemic, I developed a holy longing for the Eucharist. I’m grateful for that experience because I needed the shake-up, to see my faith in the True Presence tested and reignited.  I admit to growing complacent, expectant, and in some ways, even entitled. None of which is the proper disposition for someone about to become a living Tabernacle for the Prince of Peace, the Word of God made flesh, the Messiah, the Savior of the World. An unmatched encounter with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, dwelling within me, utterly unworthy of this privilege, yet from a place of pure love, He comes under the guise of bread and wine.

The Gospel Proclamation for Thanksgiving Day reads, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18). Do you recall in the last 20 months rejoicing always as you prayed without ceasing? Did you give thanks for what God was or would do in your circumstances while acknowledging, accepting, and trusting in His will for you? St. Paul reveals, “that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.”  So, how do we show our love?  Simply through praise, surrender, and participation in the faith, He has given us.

Every relationship requires perseverance, dedication, and steadfastness to remain healthy and strong as we navigate life. Whether together or apart, in sickness or health, and times of bounty or sacrifice. When all is calm and bright, or when the fog clouds our view. Give thanks and praise, trust in the good God does, and the blessings yet to come. Cast aside doubts, disappointment, and bitterness, especially on this day of Thanksgiving. Embrace the promises of Christ, especially his love and mercy, which abound for all of us, and be thankful. 

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Allison Gingras works for WINE: Women In the New Evangelization as National WINE Steward of the Virtual Vineyard. She is a Social Media Consultant for the Diocese of Fall River and CatholicMom.com. She is a writer, speaker, and podcaster, who founded ReconciledToYou.com and developed the Stay Connected Journals for Catholic Women (OSV).   

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The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Prepare for Battle

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This week we have occasion to think of the end of time. Immediately, Jesus’ words in the Gospels are referring to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in AD 70. Think of the phrase, “this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place” from Luke 21:32, read two days from now. While the destruction of the Temple is the historical context of these Gospel readings, the saints have also interpreted these words as prophetic, speaking of the end of time.

We are reminded to be vigilant and rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit. This theme of readiness will continue throughout Advent. Christ is coming in the flesh, and we must do penance and prepare our hearts to receive Him joyfully. He is also coming at the end of time to judge the world, and we ought to be ready to be judged.

These themes in our Gospels this week (persecution, conflict, readiness) also remind us of the conflict we can expect well before the end comes. “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household.” (Matt. 10:34–36). “You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 10:22). “Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:20).

Following Christ is not supposed to be easy (although we are promised comfort in our afflictions many times). Often, readings like these make us wonder if we’re really living up to God’s call. If we were, surely we’d be more afflicted, specifically for our faith. Or at least we’d experience more struggles in general.

Our First Reading reminds us that often, more is expected of us. King Belshazzar was not only idolatrous; he was sacrilegious. He mistreated the sacred vessels of the Lord. How often do we think about things like that? Reverencing the sacred — sacred vessels, a sacred space in the home, sacred time (the liturgical year). All have a place in the Christian life.

While we may not be constantly afflicted for following Christ, it should give us pause if we do not occasionally experience the conflict He mentions. Are we really letting the Faith permeate our lives? There are a number of cultural religious practices that have fallen out of favor in the past millennium, not to mention the basics of Christian life. Few would think it strange that you go to Mass, receive the sacraments, and pray regularly; many would think it strange if you celebrated feast days in the home, used sacramentals like holy water and blessed salt, and fasted or sacrificed regularly.

Regardless of the specifics, the fact remains that many of us ought to be doing more to let God’s Kingdom permeate our lives. It should be visible to others, so much so that those who are not prepared for it resist. We should be prepared for battle, both now and through to the end of time. Frequent, fervent Christian practices will accomplish this.

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David Dashiell is a freelance writer, editor, and proofreader based in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. His writing has been featured in Crisis Magazine and The Imaginative Conservative, and his editing is done for a variety of publishers, such as Sophia Institute and Scepter. He can be reached at ddashiellwork@gmail.com.

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Praise and Exalt Him

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In today’s Psalm, we hear the phrase “praise and exalt Him above all forever.” 

Our lives can get pretty busy. From work, to family, to running a household, to everything we need to do on a daily basis, we often forget to spend time with God and praise and exalt Him. And sometimes, even if we don’t intend to, we put other things above Him. 

What would our lives look like if we followed the words of that Psalm every single day? We would undoubtedly feel more joy. We would feel at peace. Our relationship with Christ would be stronger. And we would grow spiritually.

So how do we implement this Psalm in our lives? 

First, we must pray. Prayer is not something we should do just before bed or at Mass. In order for it to be an integral part of our lives, prayer must be something we do many times throughout the day. We wake up, and we pray. We see something beautiful, and we say a prayer of thanks. We look at our children, our spouse, or a friend, and we thank God for blessing our lives with them. We encounter something irritating or bothersome, and we say a prayer thanking God for being there with us. We suffer, and we offer it up for others, giving praise to God even during the difficult times. When we make praising God a regular part of our day—even for just a few minutes here and there—we will see our attitude change. We will feel happier. And, in turn, we will act happier.

Next, we must continually learn about our faith. We can listen to Catholic podcasts, read books, study Scripture, go to Bible study classes, or watch religious programming. No matter which combination of these we do, our lives will become richer, we will feel closer to God, and our relationship with Him will be strengthened.

In addition, we must surround ourselves with people who exude the joy of Christ. And we must strive to be more like them. Maybe this is a friend, a parent, or a grandparent. Choose someone you want to emulate, and then examine how they act and what they do. Then follow in their footsteps. For me, this is my mom. She has a quiet joy about her—a peace. She proudly stands up for what she believes in, she never stops learning, and she is one of the kindest people I know. Choosing one special person to emulate will make your life richer and will help you focus on praising God more frequently.  

God wants to be close to us. He loves us more than we can ever know. That is why we must put Him first—always and everywhere. 

When we surround ourselves with holy people, when we pray, and when we continually learn about our faith, we can’t help but glorify God in all we do.

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Susan Ciancio has a BA in psychology and a BA in sociology from the University of Notre Dame, with an MA in liberal studies from Indiana University. For the past 17 years, she has worked as a professional editor and writer, editing both fiction and nonfiction books, magazine articles, blogs, educational lessons, professional materials and website content. Eleven of those years have been in the pro-life sector. Currently Susan freelances and writes weekly for HLI, edits for American Life League, and is the editor of Celebrate Life Magazine. She also serves as executive editor for the Culture of Life Studies Program-an educational nonprofit program for K-12 students.

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Altruism and Two Small Coins

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The Gospel today has the second account of the widow and her two small coins. I find this quite fitting on the Monday before Thanksgiving.

The widow’s offering is the definition of altruism. She gives not from her extra or surplus cash on hand, but from all that she has to give. Her offering is from ‘her whole livelihood’ as Jesus notices. Her coins are donated to help others even if it means she may have to do without.

Altruism is, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary: “feelings and behavior that show a desire to help other people and a lack of selfishness’ or ‘an unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others.” 

Donating or giving for the benefit of others has been part of my understanding of Thanksgiving for most of my life. This year in particular I keep thinking of all who have sacrificed and worked so diligently during the Covid pandemic.

I think of the staff and medical professionals who have been working on so many different levels during this pandemic. I think of all the families separated because of care and safety of the health of others with whom they come in contact.

I think of the clergy and parish staff who have been comforting those who experience hardship, grief and loss.

I think of the staff at the grocery stores and restaurants, in pantries and shelters, in the food chains and networks that assist as many as they can over these several months.

I think of the educators and staff keeping schools, colleges, daycare, universities and the many institutions going for all different types of learning situations.

I think of all the first responders who continue to assist others in all kinds of situations, dangerous and routine (which is never routine when it’s you or your loved one involved in a specific situation).

I think of each who works keeping the electricity, gas, power, water, sanitation and transportation going for the millions in our country who depend on these services.

I think of the military men and women who serve our country in ways too numerous to count.

I think of everyone in all the above situations, the many gifts and talents that are given during each and every day. What tremendous blessings by people that are usually not adequately appreciated or recognized for their labor. It is truly remarkable and humbling to think of all the sacrifices made during this last year.

Thank you and may God bless you and your loved ones.

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Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.

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Our Lord Jesus Christ, King Of The Universe

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If you give too much attention to the news, to social media, or to the murmurings of the masses, you will find endless reasons to be confused, afraid, even despondent. But if you contemplate the Lord’s Presence in the tabernacle or open the Scriptures, you will hear a Sovereign God say, “Be not afraid!”

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, and are invited to contemplate the radiant Truth that the victory is already won, Our Lord and Savior is already seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. As Priest, Prophet, and King, Jesus in constantly offering Himself and interceding in the name of, and on behalf of, His people. This is why we need fear nothing, this is why Jesus tells us that when things seem to be at their worst, his people should “stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand” (Luke 21:28).

We can rejoice no matter how things seem. Not simply because we have been saved – Catholicism is so much richer than that! Our Faith is about encounter, relationship, and union. In Christ, we are able to encounter the loving, living God (on the altar, in the Word, and in each other), and from that encounter we are transformed and empowered to bring the Good News to others. God is always calling us in love to deeper relationship, to a loving union with Him, and God is always coming to us in love, to transform us and empower us to be the bright lights of His love to others. We share in the very work of the King of the Universe.

Our union with the divine changes us from who we are to who we are created to be. And we are here, living in a world that is in desperate need that we BE who God created us to be. We are created to be disciples and friends of this compassionate King. We are created to be, like him, arrows pointing to the Father with our lives. We are created and called to be leaven for world enervated and deflated by sin and selfwardness; to be the salt that enhances and preserves what would otherwise rot; to be light in every darkened place. We are anointed into the very mission of Christ, to be – IN HIM – God’s priests, prophets, and kings.

We are created to be radiantly awesome; and this culture has a huge need for our awesomeness. We are created to be holy, and this world has a deep need for our holiness.

We are lifted up by bowing low before our Lord Jesus Christ, because he alone is the holy One, he alone is the Lord, he alone is the Most High! What a gift we have been given, to know and be loved by the King of the Universe, and to share in the mission of salvation.

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Kathryn Mulderink, MA, is married to Robert, Station Manager for Holy Family Radio. Together they have seven children (including Father Rob), and four grandchildren. She is President of the local community of Secular Discalced Carmelites and has published five books and many articles. Over the last 30 years, she has worked as a teacher, headmistress, catechist, Pastoral Associate, and DRE, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church by writing and speaking, and by collaborating with various parishes and to lead others to encounter Christ and engage their faith. Her website is www.KathrynTherese.com

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When the Bad Guys Win

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As I mentioned in my last reflection, I—and millions of other Christians – have been listening to Father Mike Schmitz’s Bible in a Year podcast since January 1st. As it happens, we just finished reading the First and Second Book of Maccabees, the source of today’s First Reading. These books are not included in the Protestant Bible, and even many Catholics are not especially familiar with them—I know I wasn’t. They sound different from most of the rest of the Bible, full of names of nations and leaders you would expect to encounter in history books. They are violent and graphic, and they tell tales of a people who valiantly and successfully defend themselves from much larger and more powerful nations.  

Today’s First Reading is really satisfying, isn’t it? Imagine King Antiochus, secure in the power of his army, head full of dreams of silver and gold. He is so certain of victory that when things don’t go his way, he is dismayed. In today’s slang, we might say he is “shook.” He is so overcome that he takes to his bed and prepares to die. On his deathbed he recognizes the price he has paid for his greed.

Wouldn’t it be nice if things always worked out that way—the virtuous victorious, the evildoers overthrown? That is not the norm in our fallen world, though. Remember that the victory in today’s First Reading was only temporary. Although God’s chosen people rose up, defeated the armies of Antiochus, and reclaimed the temple, we know that later they were conquered by the Romans and eventually the temple was again laid waste. You win some, you lose some, and many times the bad guys win. At least, so it seems.

Today’s list of saints is replete with martyrs—the Martyrs of Antioch, Heraclea, Turin, and the Spanish Civil war, the Martyred Sisters of the Christian Doctrine—and that is only a partial list! These holy men and women gave their lives in witness to their faith. The way the world sees it, when good people are persecuted, when they die for their beliefs, the bad guys have indeed won. But as Christians we are called to see not as the world sees, but as God sees. 

Because even though we must continue to strive for holiness in this world, even as we work for peace and justice and pray to bring about God’s Kingdom, we know how the story ends. As Jesus told the Sadducees in today’s Gospel, the dead will rise, for God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.  God does not ask all of us to die for Him, but we know that living for Him can bring its own crosses.  So when we are feeling hopeless and defeated about the state of the world, let us remember that “the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor shall the hope of the afflicted forever perish,” and let us rejoice in the salvation of our God!

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Leslie Sholly is a Catholic, Southern wife and mother of five, living in her hometown, Knoxville, Tennessee. She graduated from Georgetown University with an English major and Theology minor. She blogs at Life in Every Limb, where for 11 years she has covered all kinds of topics, more recently focusing on the intersection of faith, politics, and social justice.

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