Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter & Paul, apostles
St.Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin, religious, missionary

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:


1 Maccabees 2:15-29
Psalm 50:1-2,5-6,14-15
Luke 19:41-44


A reflection on today's Scripture:

Heaven preserve us from forsaking the Law and its observances'.

In today's reading from the first book of Maccabees, we see how Mattathias refused to conform to the decree of King Antiochus. Despite being offered honor status by the king, along with presents of gold and silver, he refused to act according to the king's Law. He continued to observe the law of his ancestors, the covenant made with God's people.

If we are to apply relevance of this reading to our lives today, we could say that Mattathias took an unpopular stand in the society of his time. Many Israelites had conformed to the king's rule, forsaking the religion of their ancestors. But Mattathias stood steadfast in his belief, showing zeal and determination in following God's law. How many of us can say that we follow such an example in our zeal and determination for God's covenant? How many times have we stood apart from the crowd to follow what we know to be right in accordance with God's law, albeit unpopular?

Jesus tells us that we are either with Him or against Him. Modern society however tells us that being 'lukewarm' in our attitudes and beliefs is ok. Non-committal is ok. A "pick & mix" religious attitude is ok. The challenge for us as Christians is to look beyond what society tells us and listen to the voice of God in our hearts. We need to call on God's grace to give us the strength to follow Him and live our lives according to His law, not the popular "law" of the masses.

- Cliodhna Doyle