Friday, July 30, 2004
Fast Day
The Venerable Angelina of Serbia
Kellia: 1 Maccabees 3:42-60 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 Gospel: St. Matthew 21:12-14, 17-20
1 Maccabees 3:42-60: especially vs. 53, "How will we be able to
withstand them, if Thou dost not help us?" There are times in this life when circumstance converge to thrust men, families,
or whole nations into battles in which "their final destruction" is a real possibility (vs. 42). The revolt of the Hasmoneans,
which began with the elder Mattathias, was continued by his sons in a series of guerrilla actions led by Judas Maccabeus
with impressive initial success (1 Mac. 2:1-3:41). However, these Jewish rebels represented a tiny minority population
within the huge Seleucid empire of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. He was a seasoned ruler who determined that the subjects of
"his whole kingdom ...should be one people, and that each should give up his customs" (1 Mac. 1:41) and submit to "the
command of the king" or die (1 Mac. 1:50). The resistance of the orthodox believers - of the Hasidim - already had
"greatly angered" Antiochus (1 Mac. 3:27). As a result, he had placed the final solution to the Jewish question in the hands
of his viceroy, Lysias (1 Mac. 3:32-36).
Lysias chose to send a major Seleucid army group of "forty thousand infantry and seven thousand cavalry" into Judah to
"destroy it, as the king had commanded" (1 Mac. 3:39). These forces encamped near Emmaus, twenty five miles west of
Jerusalem. The balance of forces arrayed against the People of God was greatly disproportionate. The question of whether
Judas Maccabeus and his allies would be allowed their first success and left in peace was removed. Now they faced a fight
to death in which "final destruction" was the likely probability.
A great question arises: what can the Faithful do when confronted with unavoidable battles in this life? not just military or
bodily assaults, but the more significant battles men have always faced - the medical, social, psychological, and spiritual
struggles - debilitating disease, addiction, dissension, unfaithfulness, divorce, unscrupulous associates, malice, lying, lack
of love, and cruelty from family members, friends and neighbors?
Today's reading describes Judas Maccabeus preparing for battle. In his actions one can discern a godly plan to help the
Faithful meet superior forces or overwhelming problems.
First, the Maccabeans agreed, "Let us repair the destruction of our people, and fight for our people and the sanctuary" (1
Mac. 3:43). It is necessary to address the problem, take up the fight, and forgo whimpering, the wringing of hands, and
passive submission.
Then, they "assembled... to pray and ask for mercy and compassion" (vs. 44). No Christian ought to act alone nor without
prayer.
Observe, that along with prayer, "they fasted that day" (vs. 47), mourning before the Lord. Beloved, our Lord has given us
a powerful weapon in fasting by which we may "keep the Faith inviolate...crush underfoot the heads of unseen tempters
[and] emerge victors over sin."
Then, "they opened the book of the Law" (vs. 48) and searched the Scriptures for light.
Next, the Faithful reviewed before the Lord God the pain which their present difficulties had forced upon them, principally
the inability to worship as He had commanded them (vss. 49-52). All facets of one's problems must be examined as much
as possible through God's eyes.
Note that they "appointed leaders" and sent home those not prepared to fight (vss. 55,56). One must use his strengths and
set aside all that distracts from the battle ahead.
Finally, they entrusted the outcome of the battle plan to the will of God (vss. 53,60). When we have done all in human
power, in a God-pleasing manner, let us rest in the Lord.
O Lord, in all perplexities, grant us the grace of Thy Spirit to ask what Thou wouldest have us to do, and save us from all
false choices, that in Thy straight path we may not stumble.