REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 25TH NOVEMBER 2023

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1 25TH NOVEMBER 2023

1Maccabees 6:1-13; Ps.9; Luke 20:27-40

The Defeat and End of Evil

Who says that evil triumphs over good, that light will not emanate at the end of the tunnel, that the suffering of the just will know no end? Who says that the might of man will not turn into weakness? Since Monday this week, the first reading has been presenting us with the suffering of the just under King Antiochus.

This king wanted to replace the God of Israel by forcing the people into idolatry. He subdued the people and erected idols on the altar in Jerusalem, a sign of mockery against the God of Israel. He slaughtered anyone who refused to bend to his wills and caprices; he grew powerful by his own strength and must have said to himself “might is right”.

In today’s first reading, the strength of man was brought to naught. The one who promised to keep alive anyone who obeys him became too weak to live; the one who thought that he had the power to decide who lives and who dies, is now lying helplessly on his dying bed; the one who caused the martyrdom of God’s children is now perishing in deep grief. Truly, the strength of man is vain.

Beloved, so long as we are in this world, all that we have, all that we are and all that we share with one another, has an expiring date. To have the end in view is great wisdom; and only such wisdom can guide one into right actions. This brings to mind “The Solid Rock”, a hymn composed by Edward Mote:

(1) My hope is built on nothingness; than Jesus blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame; but wholly kneel on Jesus name. *Refrain*: _On Christ the solid rock I stand; All other grounds is sinking sand_ (2ce) (2) When darkness seems to hide His face; I rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale; my anchor holds with the vale. *Refrain*

Beloved, the experience of the Children of God in the book of Maccabees remains the experience of every Christian. Evil will threaten us; evil will tempt us; evil will attract us; evil will persecute us; God may even allow evil to cause some death; nevertheless, evil will never have the final say. Tomorrow we shall celebrate Christ, the King of the universe: a solemn declaration of faith that God has the final say.

Therefore, at the face of evil, do not fret, do not be shaken, do not compromise, do not loose your vision of Jesus. As we travel along the pilgrim way, let us put our eyes ever on him. Certainly, Jesus has overcome the world. It is only left for you and I to appropriate this victory into our individual lives.

Always remember that heaven is the reward of those who persevere to the end. Whoever and whatever cannot guarantee you heaven, has no right to rule you. Whenever we succumb to the rule of the world, then like Esau, we sell our birthright. In heaven we shall be firstborn sons but when we sell our birthright, we totally loose our ticket into heaven.