It’s a Journey

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
Readings: 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31; PS 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b and 15; Lk 19:11-28
Notes: The time between the 4th to the 1st centuries BCE, Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires ruled over Israel.

Roughly described as the 400 year long Intertestamental Period.

The Greek-Egyptian Ptolemaic were harsh.
War between the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires made them things unbearable.
The Seleucids occupation even harsher at times, especially after Rome stopped the Ptolemaic-Seleucid war.

In the latter stages religious abuse:

1. Monday, the abandoning of the temple in favor of the Greek gymnasium.
2. Yesterday, Eleazar refusing to violate his faith.
3. Today, the Mother and her seven sons.

The Maccabean period offered some relief for a time.
It was a time of alliance and advantage but did include restoration of the temple.
The Intertestamental Period, a portion of which is described in the two Books of Maccabees.
Catholics describe these books as deuterocanonical – that is canonical (sacred, approved) but disputed by some.

• In 63 BCE, the Romans occupied Jerusalem.
• In 40 BCE, brought about the final insult, they declared Herod the Great “King of the Jews”.

Within 70 years, a new proclamation, although they didn’t realize it.

Pilate said to Jesus,
“Are you the King of the Jews?” (Jn 18:33b)

First reading
Martyrdom of a Mother and Her Seven Sons.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2maccabees/7?1

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
But I in justice shall behold your face;
on waking, I shall be content in your presence.

Alleluia Verse
I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.

Gospel Portion
The last prophet of the old testament, Malachi, symbolically marking the intertestamental period, begins with this:

I love you, says the LORD.

Malachi ends with this:

Now I am sending to you
Elijah the prophet,
Before the day of the LORD comes,
the great and terrible day;
He will turn the heart of fathers to their sons,
and the heart of sons to their fathers,
Lest I come and strike
the land with utter destruction.

Elijah came in the person of John the Baptist. John heralded Jesus.

While people were listening to Jesus speak,
he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem
and they thought that the Kingdom of God
would appear there immediately.

Journey.
The four hundred years leading up to the time of Jesus was a journey to be sure.
A time filled with difficulty and joys.

Journey.
The time between Jesus’ Ascension and the Second Coming is also a journey.
A time filled with difficulty and joys.

But like our Old Testament readings this past week, we too have work to do and faith to express.

He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins
and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’

• Some added 10.
• Some added 5.
• Some did nothing.
• Some fought the King of the Jews.

He is relaying what our history can be… on this journey.

After he had said this,
he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.

I love you, says the LORD.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry